The 24-2 hammering proved to be the final nail in the coffin for ailing Thorpe Rovers, who have pulled out of the Evening News Norwich Sunday League. But club secretary Mark Sadler has no ill feeling towards Horsford SC, for effectively administering the last rites.

The 24-2 hammering proved to be the final nail in the coffin for ailing Thorpe Rovers, who have pulled out of the Evening News Norwich Sunday League.

But club secretary Mark Sadler has no ill feeling towards Horsford SC, for effectively administering the last rites. Confirming that Thorpe have pulled out of the league Sadler said: “It's a shame really.

“It's been very hard for us to field a settled team and the season has been a long, hard struggle. We have had some heavy defeats this season including 13-2 and 16-2.”

But he praised Horsford for the way they went about their business. “They were very sporting. I think they could have scored more if they had wanted to. There was no mickey taking at the end - it was all very sporting.”

And he saluted Gashut, with a degree of relief that they won't be meeting again on the pitch. “He is some player. He works hard and is a good footballer. I like his attitude. He is not selfish and is very skilful and quick.”

He said Thorpe's team bore no resemblance to the side which played in Division 2B last season, losing one game against Horsford 4-3 and winning the other one 4-0. Since then several players had left to go to university, leaving younger players to step up. “It was a big challenge but it was a challenge that was too much,” he said. “We tried our hardest and had we been in a lower division we might have done well. Manager David Lackey did everything he could to keep the lads together. We've got a great youth set-up at the club and hopefully the phoenix will rise again.”

Thorpe's demise means that the 24-2 defeat by Horsford, which took their goals conceded tally to 114 in 14 games, will be wiped out of the records. But one thing that won't be erased is Ramsay Gashut's memories of a once-in-a lifetime feat that may never be bettered by anybody.

t Is Ramsay Gashut's 14-goal haul the best ever in a local football match? Why not contact me if you know of anyone who has scored more or come close.