One of the Evening News Norwich Sunday League's longest-serving clubs has decided to “die with dignity” after 21 years. AFC Mousehold have decided not to renew their membership for next season after conceding defeat in their battle to attract new players.

One of the Evening News Norwich Sunday League's longest-serving clubs has decided to “die with dignity” after 21 years.

AFC Mousehold have decided not to renew their membership for next season after conceding defeat in their battle to attract new players.

“We have found it so difficult to get players. We got some young players in at the start of the season but once we kept getting beaten they weren't so keen to stick around,” said David Whitmore, who has managed the side for the last seven years .

“We have decided to call it a day now rather than pull out once the season has started. We decided to die with dignity.”

The side formed by a group of schoolfriends including, Andy Bales, Simon Duffield and Tim Read, have been a regular fixture in the league's lower divisions. Twice beaten finalists in the Benevolent Cup, they were awarded the league's wooden spoon after losing a play-off final against Dancing Farmers last season.

Although Farmers have improved markedly this term, finishing third in Division 4a, Mousehold have had another season of struggle, finishing bottom of 4a.

This was despite a Colney coaching session with ex-Canary assistant manager Ian Butterworth before the start of the campaign. “We really enjoyed it. I felt sorry for him because he wasn't around much longer,” said David. Despite an early victory over Sporting Longdale, the season became a familiar tale of defeats, many of them painfully heavy.

“It's all about the age of the players. When you are up against people 10 or more years younger it's difficult. Once an 18 or 19 year old goes past you there is not a lot you can do about it,” said Dave. He added: “Our best games came at the end of the season when we played the top clubs. We played Sprowston Royal Oak who were second and we were 2-1 up with 20 minutes to go but lost 4-3. I believe we were the better team in that game.”