The Jewish football season has suffered its first casualty just two weeks into the new season after South Manx folded.

The Premier Division club informed the league of their decision two days after Sunday's 3-1 defeat against defending champions North West Neasden A. Their withdrawal leaves the league with 52 teams. Manx's B team withdrew from the league 12 months ago and they are left with two teams playing in the Maccabi Masters League.

Manx manager Craig Edwards said: "We did not have the commitment or the funds to carry on which is a great shame as we had a very talented squad. It's disappointing as we've all been together for a good four years."

Manx are the third top-flight team to fold in the last two seasons following the demise of Bafana Bafana and Glenthorne United A, who have since been resurrected. Edwards rescued the club at the 11th hour last season as they almost folded after former manager John Nitka resigned last March. But there was no miracle this time.

Edwards said: "It all comes down to commitment and in the end, no-one was willing to commitment. The club cannot run by itself. The last straw was when our sponsor pulled out. The boys met on Monday and agree that enough was enough. We could not continue.

MSFL chairman David Wolff said: "I'm extremely disappointed that this has happened so early in the season. It's obvious that the club didn't have a deep foundation. Sadly there's nothing we can do to amend it and the Premier Division will continue with nine teams."

"Luckily teams will have extended fixtures from the Cyril Anekstein Cup, Peter Morrison Trophy and non-Jewish cup competitions."