Amateur football club St Machar Thistle contacted by 20 potential new players after viral 51-0 defeat

Amateur football club St Machar Thistle have been inundated with calls from potential new players after news of their 51-0 Scottish Cup defeat went viral.

STV News reported how the Aberdeen team were “keeping their heads held high” after the heavy loss to Stonehaven’s AC Mill Inn at the weekend.

And the way they reacted to the defeat has brought them respect from across the country with many admiring their attitude and resilience.

They were forced to play the game with eight men after two trialists were refused the opportunity to take part and their task was made even harder by the fact their captain, who usually plays outfield and had just returned from a broken ankle, had to play in goals.

Speaking to STV News, manager Cameron Ashwood said: “We got beat 19-0 off AC Mill Inn last week, so maybe it was a bit daft of us to have high hopes, but we went into the game buzzing, I can’t tell you why.

“So we got to the game with ten boys, that was the plan. But sadly two of them couldn’t play because they were trialists due to SFA regulations.

“So we started the game with eight.

“Our keeper wasn’t able to come so we had to chuck someone in goal and our captain decided ‘I’ll give it a bash’.

“We are trying to be competitive and build a team that will try to win games, but enjoying ourselves comes second and that’s going to come regardless if we win or lose.

“So our motto is just to go out and play a game of football and whatever happens from that happens.

“Because at the end of the day, I’m getting boys out of the house and speaking to people and interacting.

“Football is brilliant for mental health, so at the end of the day, that makes it all worthwhile.

“Since the game I’ve had about 20 players message me so far, I think a lot of people have seen our post and a few people have been impressed by the attitude and our resilience and they want to be part of the team.

“Maybe we will get some players that are up for that challenge through it.”