CONGLETON Town's 13-year reign in the Unibond League came to a sad end on Saturday after they went down 4-1 at home.

The defeat by North Ferriby Town left the Bears 14 points adrift of third from bottom Guiseley, with only four games left to play.

Relegation means Congleton are due to start next season in either the Northern Counties East League or the North West Counties League.

The Bears made a poor start to the season, and have the worst defensive record in the league, conceding twice as many as they have scored.

However a crucial factor in their failure to survive the drop was their inability to beat the other teams near the foot of the table.

''We will miss Unibond football and the many people we have met over the last 13 seasons,'' said Congleton treasurer Ken Mead.

''However the manager intends to work as hard as he can to ensure we go straight back up by winning promotion next season.

''There has been only three or four seasons over the past 13 years when we have been comfortable, and most of the time we have struggled in the bottom section.

''We have scored just 41 goals and let in 82, although we have to be upbeat about the future and it's all about planning for what we do from here on.''

Congleton were punished twice from corners on Saturday, one of their major weaknesses throughout the season.

A corner was driven across to the far post on 12 minutes from Phillips to head home.

The Bears went to sleep for the visitors' second four minutes later, which came from a throw in into the area.

As the keeper came out Phillips squared the ball to Thompson, who side footed home from six yards.

North Ferriby made it 3-0 on the stroke of half-time when their centre half headed in another corner.

France made it 4-0 with the goal of the game on 52 minutes when he scored with a dipping shot from 25 yards.

Congleton pulled one back three minutes later when Paul Bowyer headed goalwards after connecting with a corner.

Darren Washington deflected the ball in with his head to score his 100th goal for the Bears.

Congleton lost 3-0 at second-placed Vauxhall on Tuesday night, taking the lead with a 24th minute free kick.

They made it 2-0 with a shot from 12 yards on 48 minutes, and wrapped up victory with a third on 75 minutes.

*Congleton are at home to Trafford tomorrow and Workington next Tuesday.