West Blatchington ran up a staggering 33-0 winning scoreline against Rottingdean Village - and then said sorry.

The Sussex Sunday League Premier Division title chasers, who had a 15-0 win earlier in the season expunged after Bush's withdrawal from the competition, needed the bumper win to boost their goal difference.

But after the mauling, which included 17 goals from Lewes midfielder Cameron Johnson, player-manager Simon Jones made a beeline for the Rottingdean dressing room.

He said: "We were gutted to beat them by such a score. I immediately apologised after the game, because they were a terrific bunch of young lads.

"Had we not been chasing the title the scoreline wouldn't have been anywhere near that. We beat Bush earlier in the season and on Friday they withdrew from the league, decreasing our goal difference, and with things so tight we might need to rely on these goals at the end of the season."

West Blatchington were nine points behind leaders The Clifton, with three games in hand, prior to the Rottingdean fixture. But now they have cut the deficit to seven points behind and enjoy an eight goals advantage.

Sussex Sunday League secretary Ernie Coleman said the 17-goals haul and scoreline were competition records.

He said: "The 17 goals from one player is very impressive. I've never known anything like that. I wonder if anyone has ever managed that in Sussex - or indeed Britain."

Cameron, who has failed to find the net for Lewes, is known as a defensive midfielder. His burst of goals is not only unbelievable, it is out of character.

Even Cameron cannot explain his sudden burst of goals. He said: "It seemed that everything I hit went in. It's a shame things don't work that way when I play on Saturday for Lewes."

Rottingdean Village have suffered some problems recently. They lost most of their players, but Mark Taylor has taken over the side and is determined to keep the club going.

They were on a hiding to nothing before kick-off. Mark only had ten players to field, but the young side he did select was always going to struggle against a team of senior footballers.

West Blatchington had Simon Jones (Peacehaven), Cameron Johnson (Lewes), Warren Bagnall (Lewes), Matt Beeston (Lewes), Ian Griffiths (Peacehaven) and Phil Reid (Peacehaven) among their ranks.

Simon explained: "Rottingdean deserve every credit for continuing. They could have easily cancelled the game and given us a walkover. We had a few beers with them afterwards and they were taking it in good spirits. I hope they continue."

Do you know of anyone who has managed more than 17 goals in a game? If so let us know by e-mailing Justin at justin.allen@argus-btn.co.uk or calling 01273 544581.