Stuart Pearce returns for 'England's worst team' Longford AFC in 1-0 defeat

Stuart Pearce came out of retirement at the age of 53 on Saturday, but his presence could not help the 'worst team in England' win.

Pearce came off the bench at half-time during Longford AFC's clash with fellow Gloucestershire Northern Senior League Two strugglers Wotton Rovers, but the visitors would go on to prevail 1-0 thanks to a penalty.

The former England captain, nicknamed Psycho, was not far off scoring with one of his first touches, a corner that curled just wide of the Rovers goal.

But soon after Longford conceded a penalty, which was duly scored, and the visitors held on for a precious victory.

"It was great to be back on the pitch," Pearce said. "The lads were brilliant and really gave it their all. The result was unfortunate, but it was always going to be a difficult task.

"They've got the players to turn this around, and now that we've seen a real improvement in their confidence, hopefully they'll push on and start climbing up the table."

Going into the game, Longford had lost all of their 22 games, with 14-0, 15-0, 16-0 and 17-0 defeats among them, although four of their last six games have now been lost by the odd goal.

Pearce had not played for 14 years, and said before the game: "I'm woefully short of fitness but I'll give it my best."

The former Nottingham Forest manager had signed up for only one game with the team, but it remains to be seen whether his return has whetted his appetite for more after being signed up for the return by insurers Direct Line.