The league has been aware of the situation that the club was in for some time but was not in a position to comment publicly.

League chairman Glenn Youngman said: “It’s another very disappointing decision – especially coming after they played only four league games and so soon after Team Northumbria’s decision to resign.

“We spoke to Blyth’s owner Barry Elliott to see if there was anything that we could do to help, but ultimately it was a matter for him.

“Like the Team Northumbria decision, this resignation has an adverse effect on clubs, players and spectators.

“In particular it means less income for the clubs that remain in the First Division, which will now have to run with eighteen teams for the rest of the season.  All of Blyth’s results will be removed and the table adjusted accordingly.

“Blyth’s decision will be discussed by the League Management Committee which meets next Thursday (September 6th).”

In response to speculation on social media, league secretary Kevin Hewitt said: “Blyth AFC had a groundshare agreement with Ashington for the whole of the 2018/19 season”.