STEVE Butterworth insists it was Alfie Hilton and Dan Walker’s own decision to leave Great Wakering Rovers.

Walker joined Hullbridge Sports earlier this week, while Hilton is understood to be in talks with a number of Isthmian North clubs after opting to walk away from Burroughs Park.

And Wakering player-manager Butterworth admits a lack of game-time resulted in the duo seeking pastures new.

“Alfie and Dan left because they weren’t getting into the team,” said Butterworth.

“We were never going to be able to keep everyone happy and it’s difficult to change a side that is doing well.

“After a couple of players had joined in recent weeks, I needed a couple of players to probably go and the ball was in their court.

“They were surplus to requirements but they made the final decision to leave.

“I asked whether they wanted to stay and fight for their place or go elsewhere and get more minutes. They chose the latter.

“I didn’t want them to go but they wanted to get regular minutes and I couldn’t offer them that.”

Hilton made a promising start to the campaign, but opportunities dried up after Kojo Apenteng joined from Barking.

Winger Hilton has left Wakering having scored three goals in 20 appearances this term.

Walker, meanwhile, completed the switch to neighbours Hullbridge earlier this week after bagging one goal in 10 appearances following his October move from Heybridge Swifts.

Butterworth believes the addition of former Basildon United star Ayo Odukoya proved to be the final straw for Hilton and Walker.

“Alfie was one of our best players at the start of the season but he went on holiday for two-and-a-half weeks and we brought Kojo in,” added Butterworth.

“Kojo made an instant impact and has been doing well, so Alfie wasn’t able to win his place back in the team since coming back from his holiday.

“I didn’t want him to go but I couldn’t put him in the team ahead of Kojo.

“Billy Johnson was also scoring goals and so he was third or fourth in the pecking order.

“I think after Ayo signed, Alfie and Dan realised they were falling further down the pecking order and it was best for them to go elsewhere.”

Wakering were involved in a friendly with National League South side Chelmsford City in midweek.

Apenteng scored the hosts’ only goal in a 3-1 reverse at Burroughs Park.