ABINGDON Town officials were forced to apologise to arch rivals Abingdon United after losing an ‘embarrassing’ derby clash 17-0, with just seven of their players left on the pitch at the final whistle.

Already down to ten men after Aaron Andrews had been sent off, two other Town players simply walked off after goals 11 and 13 went in, with another departing through injury late on.

The outcome of the Uhlsport Hellenic League Division 2 East clash left a bemused crowd scratching their head.

“I think people were just standing there in disbelief,” said United secretary John Blackmore.

“It was embarrassing – for everyone really.

“In a local derby you expect a good, hard-fought game. It started that way, but quickly went downhill.

“To be fair to Abingdon Town’s management, they came in afterwards and said to us that they were extremely embarrassed and apologised.

“But I have certainly never seen anything like it before.”

Town won August’s reverse fixture 3-2, but went into the clash in fourth place, with United’s development side top.

Their goal difference was separated by just one before the match – but it’s now 35!

Town chairman Jayson Lyon said he wanted to to find out the full details before commenting.

The Hellenic League will wait to receive reports from both clubs and the referee before deciding if they need to take further action.