BLANDFORD United and AFC Blandford have merged, the two clubs have confirmed.

Dorset Premier League side Blandford United and AFC Blandford have been competing for players and sponsors since the latter’s inception in 2007.

United were placed in eighth in their division before their league was voided amid the COVID-19 crisis, while AFC held 13th in the Dorset Senior League.

Three teams under the established Blandford United name will now compete, with a Sunday side carrying the AFC banner in the Blackmore Vale League.

In a joint statement, the clubs said: “We can confirm that both clubs have merged.

“It was apparent that neither club would achieve their goals whilst in constant battle for local players and financial support from local businesses.

“There will now be three Blandford Utd teams, first team in the Dorset Premier League, second team to continue in Division One, with a third team to be entered into either Division Three or Four which will hopefully be playing over at the Blandford School.

“AFC will now be the Sunday side which will play at Park Road and will be all under one account so everyone is working together.

“The club now have a large proactive committee to back up the decent playing squads we now have to help push this club on and off the pitch.

“With all being well we are looking to start pre-season training for the 20/21 season on 23/6/20.

“With three teams now we will be looking for new players and coaching staff to help with the players demands.”

Adding to the joint announcement, AFC said: “The committee felt this was the best decision to merge with our counterparts to ensure a strong footballing base for the whole of Blandford.

“We are sad to see the club finish as a standalone Saturday club, however we will be continuing the AFC name as the new Sunday side in the Blackmore Vale League.

“We are all looking forward to joining as one and seeing how far we can take Blandford on the Dorset footballing map.”