TIME is running out for Leigh Genesis.

They have announced they are likely to cease as a semi-professional outfit.

Relegated from Evo-Stik First Division North last month, the committee have been unable to secure a new home for the team to grace the North West Counties League next season.

Atherton stadium Crilly Park, Genesis’ home since being unable to agree terms with the Leigh Sports Village for the 2010/11 campaign, is no longer seen as a financially viable option.

Further discussions will take place at a board meeting tonight, Tuesday, and a statement has been issued on behalf of the committee by secretary Mary Croasdale.

“We have been working hard to influence those we needed to in order to secure a move back to our home in Leigh, wherever that could be,” she said.

“The obvious choice for us and good enough for entry to the North West Counties League was the pitch adjacent to the main stadium at Leigh Sports Village, surrounded by the athletics track, but this option has been refused and as no other suitable, floodlit ground is available we can no longer continue as a semi-pro club.

“The deadline for applications into the league is today, May 31, so without a miracle we will not be playing in the North West Counties League next season.

“We are devastated as a board that we have not been able to turn things around despite a huge amount of hard work behind the scenes.

“Since losing our promised home at Leigh Sports Village, life for the club has been an uphill struggle and we are grateful for those of you who have stuck with us to keep the club alive.

“Football is an expensive hobby, however, and in addition to sponsorship the club needs a mechanism to earn money to support itself. This cannot be achieved without a 'home'.

“Fortunately, the junior section of the club is stronger than ever and the youth programme affiliated to us has a full intake of students.

“This in itself makes it all the more sad that they will not have the standard of senior team that a club of this size deserves.”