A proposal to introduce division one play-offs to increase interest in the County League has been dismissed as a "stupid idea".

Eastbourne United boss Dave Shearing believes the season has become "pointless" for those not involved in a relegation battle due to the form of leaders Horsham YMCA.

Despite their 2-1 defeat by United on Saturday, John Suter's side are still 14 points clear at the top of the table, forcing the chasing pack to concede the title race is all but over.

It is the fourth time in the last six seasons that one team has pulled away from the rest following Burgess Hill's dominance in 2001/2 and 2002/3 and Lagney Sports' runaway triumph in 1999/2000.

United's victory over YM kept them in sixth place but they are a massive 23 points behind the leaders and Shearing admits he is not looking forward to ten more weeks of "meaningless" games.

Shearing said: "We only need another few points to make sure we are safe but there is no chance we can win the league so it makes the rest of the season a bit boring. The league is dead because Horsham are so far ahead. Unless you are in the bottom five and trying to stay up there is nothing to play for.

"I cannot stand the current situation. How can I motivate my players when I find it difficult to motivate myself?

"I think they should introduce play-offs for the top six which would work like a mini-cup. That would keep more teams interested if one club gets too far ahead like Horsham."

The nearest there has been to an exciting finish in recent years came last season when four teams still had a chance of winning the title going into the final month. Even then, Chichester United eventually pulled away to finish six points clear of runners-up Rye and Iden United.

Rye are sitting in second place again this season with little chance of catching YM but boss Glyn White does not believe introducing play-offs would solve anything.

White said: "Play-offs are a stupid idea. It is up to the other clubs to get better and make sure one team doesn't run away with it.

"It doesn't happen very often, so I don't think there is any reason to have play-offs. John Suter has done very well to build a good side at YM and now it is up to the rest of us to improve."

County League chairman Peter Bentley is also against the idea but says he would listen to the clubs if they were in favour of creating a play-off system.

Bentley said: "We have discussed the idea in meetings before and none of the clubs have been interested because of the extra games it would create."

Meanwhile, Bexhill United will revert to being two clubs next season. Bexhill Town and Bexhill Athletic Club merged in the 2002-03 season to become Bexhill United, who currently top County League division three.

The clubs will revert to their original status with United in the County League and Athletic in the East Sussex League.