Jersey Bulls Women have criticised a decision to reset their league’s points to zero.
The island side were 12 points clear at the top of South East Counties Women’s Football League Surrey Division One.
They beat Cranleigh 6-0 at Springfield on Sunday to make it 11 wins from 11 games.
However, the league is now to be split between the top and bottom halves, with the top six sides vying for two promotion places.
All points from the first phase of matches are to be expunged – to the consternation of the island side.
“We were surprised and disappointed to learn – several months into the season – that points would not carry over into the second phase. This was not our understanding at the start of the campaign,” chairman Adam Budworth said in a statement on the club website.
“We raised our concerns directly with the league to share our view that resetting points diminishes the value of performances across the opening phase.
“Unfortunately, despite our representations, the league has chosen to maintain its position.”
Bulls have been the standout side in their division this season – their first campaign in an English league – scoring 71 goals and conceding just eight in their 11 league matches.
They have actually played 12 games but their record 30-0 win over Guildford Saints last month was voided after their opponents – who were bottom of the table – pulled out of the league.
“While we’re frustrated and somewhat baffled by the decision, we’re not dwelling on it,” added Budworth.
“This squad has worked incredibly hard to put itself in a strong position, and that effort doesn’t disappear because of a reset.
“Our response will be to channel that energy into the next phase of the season, approach every game with the same intensity, and aim to win the matches that matter most.”
On the pitch, Bulls won their first home game since late November after a dominant second-half showing against Cranleigh.
Amy Guthrie had given the islanders the lead eight minutes before half-time at Springfield, but they scored five times after the interval as they beat the side 10th in the 12-team league.
Anita Tavares made it 2-0 shortly after the restart before Leah Morris scored the third.
Holly Sundby increased the lead in the 74th minute and Tavares added another four minutes later before Morris wrapped up the win with her second goal.
