Both Berwick Rangers Reserves and Hibernian pulled out of the regional league set up at the AGM on Thursday evening.

But an application by the Yarrow Park club split the committee with the vote being tied at seven for and seven against.

With no casting vote allowed from the chair and the requirement for applications to gain a majority, the Selkirk application was turned down.

With no other applications it leaves the two-division structure with only 17 teams.

Selkirk spokesman Ross Anderson said: "We are obviously very disappointed with the stance of the East of Scotland League." Selkirk this week secured funding to create up to eight full-time football apprenticeships.

And they have also tied up a deal with the Paris-based EDU Academy for up to 15 up-and-coming French players to be based at Yarrow Park.

Manager Steve Forrest said: "We wanted to operate three senior teams out of Yarrow Park - Lowland League, East of Scotland and an Under 20s. We will need to have a rethink about the East team but we will still have three teams.

"Selkirk is an ambitious club and we want to be as professional as we can be." From next season only 17 teams will compete in the East of Scotland two leagues.

Lothian Thistle, Stilring Uni, Craigroyston, Tynecastle, Spartans, Leith Athletic, Coldstream, Civil Service Strollers and Easthouses Lily will make up the Premier.

And the eight First Division clubs are Peebles Rovers, Kelso United, Burntisland, Hawick Royal Albert, Duns, Ormiston, Eyemouth United and Heriot Watt.

A league spokesperson said "The members discussed the application from Selkirk FC to play in our league and on the night the voting members didn't accept their application.

"I know this will be a disappointment to them as they have been developing their club for some time. I wish them all the best for next season."