THE Sceptre League will be expanding to nine divisions next season.

Ninety-eight sides have signed up for the new campaign.

And chairman Malcolm Binstead is delighted by the response.

"It's the best we've ever had so it's brilliant," he said.

"I have a great commitee around me and I think that's why the league is proving so popular to play in."

FULL DIVISIONAL LISTS: Premier Division: First Manor, Talwin, Old Island Boys, Castle Rangers, Methane, Fairfax Rangers, Isla Athletic, Pro-Max, Sort, Day One.

Division One: Canvey Orient, Loco, Fairview Rangers, Garvery, Barge, Thundersley Rovers, Orion, Park Tavern, Raylee, Benfleet.

Division Two: Athletico Benfleet, Cannons, Fairview Rangers, Daws Heath, Rayleigh Olympiads, Shoebury Boys, CISK, Kingsfield Casuals, Cockney Loco, Deportivo Benfleet.

Division Three: Pro Max II, Blackgate Gunners, Troop Hall, Benfleet Villa, Grove Sports, Independiente, Allclaims, Core Athletic, Steepleview, Fairfax Rangers II.

Division Four: Old Island Boys II, Woodcutters, Sporting Travs, Riverfront, Windsor Sports, Rylands, Raylee II, Basildon Boys, Southchurch W, Diablo.

Division Five: Westcliff Reliance, Keymac United, Vasco De Canvey, Cardinals, Benfleet Villa II, Union, Independiente II, Callback, Hawkwell Athletic, Kingsdown Rangers.

Division Six: Marcana, Retro, Allclaims II, East Park United, Kingsfield Casuals II, Moore Athletic, Shrimperzone, Black Lion, Hawkwell Athletic II, Titan.

Division Seven: Elements, Seasiders, Pro Max III, Sparta, Echo Whitecaps, FC Hockley, Sunday Sport, Rayleigh Royals, Seagun Rangers, Delux-Allstars.

Division Eight: Trinity United, Holtford Sports, Parkside Rangers, Gulls, Berry Rangers, Astairs, Roots Hall Flyers, The Strollers, Athletico Shotgate, Southend Thunder.

Division Nine: Hadleigh Manor, Southray, Essex Royals Allclaims III, Shrimperzone II, Rylands II, Kingsdown II, Basildon Boys, Lemon Party