A football manager is putting a brave face on things after seeing his side thumped an incredible 39-0.

Kedan, who play in division 4 of the Rochester and District League, were at a big disadvantage against Brompton Athletic from kick off as they had only managed to field seven players.

And they were made to pay as the goals rained in at Luton Rec in Gillingham at an average of almost one every two minutes.

The result left Kedan second bottom of the league with a goal difference of minus 90.

Under Rochester & District League rules teams can only fulfil a fixture with a minimum of seven players.

Kedan manager Ian Thomas revealed: “We had six players there and we managed to get another to turn up.

"We did think about telling him to keep walking, but that’s not the way we do things – the club have won awards for sportsmanship.

"We didn’t want to waste anyone’s time and we didn’t want the opposition, who were all there, to leave empty handed."

Kedan managed to keep Athletic at bay for the opening four minutes but once the opener arrived, they kept coming and eventually six Brompton players had scored hat-tricks.

Mr Thomas said: “The guy who played in goal actually did well, even though he took a pounding. He had plenty to do but he made some good saves.

“It was unfortunate but the game was played in the right way – there were no bookings or sendings-off, nothing like that.

“They are going well at the top of the league and obviously need the goals because they want to go up next season. They weren’t nasty about it and were encouraging our guys.

“It’s just one of those things. We desperately need some new players to come in in the new year.”

Anyone interested in joining the side can call Mr Thomas on 07951 060034.