Cheadle Town goalkeeper who let in 22 goals in one match praised for saving non league side from 'further embarrassment'

Non league side Cheadle Town were thrashed 22-0 by Russia U19s but say they will take plenty of positives from the game.

The Greater Manchester-based team doubled their twitter following during the rout, while their goalkeeper was actually praised for his performance.

Cheadle secretary Stuart Crawford said: "I can't even say that any of their goals were flukes or should have been disallowed. In fact, every one was from inside the box, and they just about walked them all into the net. Our lads couldn't get anywhere near them at times."

"We played our first-team goalkeeper Steve Piggott, but he didn't make any gaffes and, in fact, saved further embarrassment with a few saves."

The Russian side scored nine goals in the first half and a further 13 after the break.

Crawford added that a second game that had been initially planned was cancelled.

The friendly had been arranged by agent Kenny Moyes, brother of former Manchester United boss David Moyes.

Cheadle Town, who play in the North West Counties Football League now have more than 3,000 followers on twitter after they trended during the game.