Unbeaten AFC Aymer proudly top Division Three of the Sussex Sunday League and Park Life can exclusively reveal the secret of their success.

Aymer have been transformed from pub drinkers accustomed to propping up the table into a team with promotion ambitions thanks to wine gums.

The lads have been snacking on the gums before, during and after games and the soft sweet has added some steely resolve to Dave Hedgecock's side.

Aymer have won five of their opening six matches and Hedgecock attributes the change in fortunes to the nation's favourite sweet.

He said: "It seems to be enhancing our performances on the pitch and some of the players say the gums are doing the business off the pitch too. Although I don't think they will replace viagra.

"I am the manager of Lancing Manor Leisure Centre and I've been reading various sports journals. The athlete Dean Macey scoffs wine gums galore before he competes and they seem to give him extra energy. I thought we'd try it out with our lot and see if there is any truth in it.

"It helps phsyically and mentally. We let the players have a few before kick-off and goalscorers are rewarded with a wine gum every time they score.

"Our striker Dave Chitty has certainly acquired a taste for them. Last season he only got eight goals and this season he already has nine. He has eaten a whole bag before one match.

"The way he's going there could be a serious shortage of wine gums, which could damage our promotion effort. Contrary to popular belief, there is no alcohol in wine gums. It is probably just as well. All our lads have a few the night before so they wouldn't take much more."

Hedgecock also made reference to the Holland duo of Frank De Boer and Edgar Davids who tested positive for the banned anabolic steroid nandrolone earlier this year.

He added: " I think the Dutch players were innocent. It could have been wine gums."

Jeff Hillman runs the side with Hedgecock. Hillman said: "The black ones seem to run out first each week, it's a shame because they are my favourite. The red ones are popular too. Usually there are just the greens and the yellows left by half-time.

"It has certainly helped with the camaraderie and we have had plenty of laughs. Once one of our players scored a goal and Dave "The Chief" Hedgecock signalled him over to the sideline. He thought he was going to be substituted but Dave just gave him a wine gum."

Maynards Wine Gums are made by Trebor Bassett Limited. Their spokesperson Tony Bilsborough said: "Jelly Babies have long been the favourite of rugby players and football teams because they give an instant boost of energy at half-time and of course they taste great.

"However this is the first time we have heard of our wine gums being used in the same way."

Good luck to the boys for the rest of the season. We are giving them a crate of beer and Trebor Bassett are sending them a case of their favourite sweets.

If your team has a strange pre-match ritual or superstition call Park Life on 01273 544 581.