A HIGHLY successful Sunday amateur football side have announced their decision to fold.

Lawthorn AFC only formed in the Ayrshire Sunday Amateur football division two years ago and had gone from strength to strength in that time.

A number of talented local players turned out to represent the club and provided some memorable occasions - none more so than the end of last season when the club got their hands on silverware for the first time as they defeated Troon Town 2-1 to win the Thistle Steel Cup.

The club even reached the last 32 in the biggest competition of them all, the Sunday Amateur Scottish Cup.

However, only a handful of games into their third season together, the side have taken the decision to fold after becoming "unsustainable to run".

It was a difficult decision for involved though it was felt that there was no other options.

A statement on social media explained: "It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce that Lawthorn AFC has folded.

"This was a very difficult decision to make however the club has become unsustainable to run.

"We would like to thank everyone that has dedicated their time to play or help out over the last two years. We would like to express appreciation to the league and all the clubs involved.

"Lastly a big thank you to all of our sponsors who have been involved with Lawthorn.

"We are gutted that it has come to this however, we have made memories and friends for life, from memorable trips to Arran, Carlisle and Tenerife, all the way to our Thistle Steel Cup win."

The club's decision to fold now leaves the Ayrshire Sunday Amateur league with only ten teams - though half of these sides are still based in the Irvine area.