Brandon have been handed a dramatic end-of-season reprieve from relegation by Celtic Nation resigning from the Northern League.

Brandon have finished bottom of the second division and were preparing for life in the Wearside League, and they had been hoping that some of the rumours circulating in recent days about several clubs turned out to be true.

And sure enough this morning, Celtic Nation informed the league that they have decided to quit the Northern League at the end of the season. They finished runners up to Spennymoor last season – and in a crucial game were 3-1 up against Spennymoor but drew 3-3 – but after their backer withdrew in the summer, they’ve been fighting an uphill battle and were relegated a fortnight ago. They were hammered 8-0 by Marske the other night.

Celtic Nation secretary and club co-founder Jeff Carr said that the decision to fold had been incredibly difficult. “It’s been an unbelievable past few years but a number of people have left the club and we can no longer see any way of raising the necessary finance. It’s heartbreaking for me personally.”

Ebac Northern League chairman Mike Amos said that the club had kept the league fully informed over many anxious months. “It’s not been easy for people like Jeff and they’ve tried all ways to find a solution. Celtic Nation will provide a fascinating chapter in Northern League history: it’s been a great pleasure to have known them.”

The decision is subject to confirmation by the league AGM in June.