Net-minding duties were decidedly bittersweet for luckless Trebor Bassett goalkeeper Mark Blades.

DOWN BUT NOT OUT: Goalkeeper Mark Blades can still smile despite being buried under an avalanche of goals

His team with a definite soft centre were crushed 38-0 by a rampant Leeman Athletic in their opening match in division two of the York Sunday Afternoon League.

The staggering scoreline is the heaviest defeat ever recorded in the league's 25-year history .

But despite Leeman scoring, on average, every two minutes and 23 seconds, Blades still walked-off with the man of the match award.

"He did really well," said Trebor manager and secretary Mick Sorrell. "It could have been 50 if it wasn't for him."

"We did our best but they just kept scoring," said Blades, of Spindle Close, Foxwood, who made his debut for the side a week earlier in a friendly and conceded 'only' seven.

"I thought then things couldn't get any worse but I guess I was wrong," said the 23-year-old.

"After the first ten minutes we were doing all right, and we were only two or three down, but I lost interest at 25. You had to laugh in the end. I just can't believe you can let in 38 goals and still get the man-of-the-match award."

Blades, a York City fan, admits his footballing luck has hit rock bottom.

"My teams third from bottom of the Third Division and I've just let in 38 goals but life goes on," he said defiantly.

"At least Bobby Mimms or Russ Howarth don't have anything to worry about."

With Trebor only able to field nine players, every member of the Leeman side got on the scoresheet, including both substitutes and their goalkeeper, Andy Pond, who netted twice.

But leading the blitz was goal-laden sharp shooter and the visitor's man-of -the-match Rocky Depa, who found the back of the net 16 times.

Apart from Depa's 16-goal plunder, John and Kevin Jamieson and Jason Weaver all claimed hat-tricks, while Barry Nelson, Lolo Quintero and Wayne smith each bagged a brace.

The other scorers for Leeman were Craig Miller, Simon Burrows, James Clout. and substitutes James Webber and Matt Mooring.

"It might have been different if we had had a full team but with only nine men I knew we were going to get beat," said Blades. "I just didn't think it would be by as many as it was."

Trebor Basset are still looking for more players. Anyone willing to help transform the team's fortunes can contact Sorrell on 01904 709227.

Sorrell said he had no plans to throw in the towel despite the crushing defeat: "If anything it has made us all the more determined."

At least Trebor and Blades are guaranteed a clean sheet this weekend - the team are without a fixture.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.