INCLUDING Plymouth Argyle Reserves in the South West Peninsula League West was a mistake - according to Penryn Athletic officials.

Earlier this year, the competition's committee approved plans to allow the side in the division.

However, problems have occurred since Argyle's inclusion including the switching of grounds from Bickleigh Barracks to Seale-Hayne, near Newton Abbott.

The change has seen home games for the team move further east, meaning journey's of two hours or more for visiting sides from West Cornwall.

Speaking to the Packet, Athletic's secretary Mike Young said the club have complained to league saying their introduction is problematic.

Young said: "They've had to move to a ground near Newton Abbott and we have told the league that they should not have let them in.

"It seems the officials wanted to get 18 teams playing this season, but in all honesty it works fine with 16 sides.

"In recent years we have lost sides like Hayle, Foxhole and Perranporth as they struggle to keep afloat and now we have to travel to places like Liskeard and Holsworthy.

"They are a fair distance away and I say if it takes longer than the game to travel to the opposition, then it really isn't worth it and our biggest issue this year will be getting players out of the car park and travelling that far for games."

SWPL said although the ground switch was regrettable, they had no other option but to allow it.

They added the site at Seale-Hayne, which Argyle will share with Torquay United, is suitable for the division, even if it means more travel for visiting sides.

Phil Hiscox, the league's secretary, said: "Plymouth Argyle requested that we approve Seale-Hayne as their home venue as the facilities there are directly under the clubs control and following problems with Bickleigh Barracks, both in a perceived access situation, and following a report from the MOD that the boiler in the dressing rooms has now been condemned.

"The grounds sub-committee were satisfied that the two pitches at Seale-Hayne are both suitable for Step 7 football and are satisfied that other facilities are acceptable for our use."

Athletic are due to play Argyle at Seale-Hayne on January 30.