PORTLAND Town have learned their fate after Dorset Football League officials met to discuss the club’s status.

Town’s first team informed the league of their wish to withdraw from the Dorset Senior League due to a combination of factors.

They also sought to keep their reserve side afloat in Dorset League Division Four but were wary of a potential league directive that would have necessitated reserve players completing fixtures for the first team, some five divisions higher.

However, after the meeting, Town’s two wishes have been granted.

READ MORE: Portland Town first team requests to fold

Town’s acting chairman and manager Dave Cobb told Echosport: “The league decided with the unusual circumstances around the coming in and attempting to save the club that the reserves will be allowed to continue in Div Four and the first team have been withdrawn from the Senior League.

“It was decided that to make the reserves play the remaining fixtures in the Senior League would be of no benefit to anyone and the league wish them to continue as they are, so have done so.

“(The) first team (has been) withdrawn on a permanent basis, we will not be returning.”

Meanwhile, the Dorset Football League (DFL) gave a statement confirming the news to Echosport.

"Following a meeting held by the DFL, Portland Town's withdrawal from the Senior League was accepted and it was agreed that Portland Town Reserves could continue in Division Four," officials said.

Cobb, who is also manager of Crossways Spitfires in Division Three, has been in talks to merge Portland Town with his side for the 2023/24 season.

Town are also awaiting confirmation of any potential fine for withdrawing their first team.

Their exit leaves only 11 teams in the second-highest grassroots division in Dorset.

Town's final game was an 8-1 loss to Bournemouth Electric in December.