Basford chairman apologises after horror show

They suffered only their third home defeat of the season, but the manner of which came as a shock to everyone, with them trailing 5-0 at half-time against mid-table Hyde.

In a statement, the club said: "The Chairman has issued an apology on behalf of the club for the performance v Hyde. Hyde were superb and totally dismantled us, but from a Basford supporters perspective you will know our high standards this season.

"The facts of yesterday that have come to light is on top of the club missing seven established first team players for various reasons, in addition no fewer than five players reported in Sat am with the remnants of the flu bug but were advised they needed to play due to the stretched nature of the squad.

"Whilst not exonerating the level of performance it does partially explain a lacklustre and fatigued performance in many quarters. In hindsight the club should have requested a late fixture cancellation due to unprecedented circumstances and failing this request put out Academy Players to fill the absentees.

"Basford United have not lost a game by a score line like this for over 50 years it was a clearly a score-line not representative of the current campaign and all officials, management and players have been deeply upset by this.

"The club is committed to its targets for this season and whilst we have an incredibly difficult home game this Saturday against title favourites South Shields, we as a collective will do everything in our power to get back on track over the next few weeks, when a normality of fitness and availability will return."

The club will refund all fans who attended the Hyde game on Saturday at South Shields. Season Ticket holders have the option to either claim a free meal or donate the applicable money to charity.