A study has unveiled that an astonishing seven out of 10 Sunday League footballers have played matches whilst nursing a hangover. The survey, which polled 1,000 amateur players , discovered that most players pop into their local pub the evening before a match, with each pub visit involving roughly four and a half tipples. Whilst six in 10 admitted they overestimated their capacity to play the next morning, some claimed that a few beverages actually boosted their performance. According to the poll, 15 per cent believed they played better post-drinks, and 26 per cent managed to score a goal despite feeling a tad fragile. However, issues with playing extend beyond just boozing. A whopping eight in ten players confess their football prowess has been hindered by poor preparation such as skipping warm-ups and training, or forgetting their boots on match day. Some even ended up on the wrong pitch. The research was commissioned by Specsavers as part of its Best Worst Team campaign, highlighting the struggles of teams like Tunley Athletic. In a bid to help players bag a win, the local pub, The King William Inn, has now banned Tunley's Sunday league players from making a visit there the night before matches. Landlord Tom Watson said: "We've pulled more pints for this team than they've scored goals – so we figured it was our turn to switch tactics. Banning the lads the night before a match is our way of showing tough love. We're not saying no to beers, just not before the final whistle." "Hopefully next season, the only thing they'll be losing is their losing streak!" Tom adds. Players are often caught making frequent blunders, misjudging distances, making passes to the wrong team, and botching headers. This is usually due to fatigue, dehydration or lack of concentration. And when it comes to pre-match grub, a quarter of players admit to scoffing junk food on the morning of a game, with many tucking into a full English to soak up the alcohol from the night before. Yet, a whopping 89 per cent agree that solid prep, including the right food, water, and sleep is crucial, even for amateur footie. To help Tunley Athletic turn things around, Specsavers has brought in top sports nutritionist Ted Munson to create a bespoke nutrition plan for the team. Ted added: "Nutrition plays a key role at any level - from grassroots to the Premier League – allowing novice athletes to prepare, execute and recover more effectively." He points out the importance of diet, noting: "What we put into our body within 48 hours of a match directly impacts our physical output on the pitch. "I'll be working with Tunley Athletic on the fundamentals - ensuring their pre-match meals are carbohydrate-rich and eaten at least 2 hours before kick-off, focusing on hydration habits which can make or break performance, and helping them fuel properly during games." Ted adopts the 80/20 rule: nail 80 per cent of your nutrition and you've earned the right to indulge in the remaining 20 per cent. He suggests that players can certainly enjoy a pint or a cheeky takeaway, but it's best to keep it for post-match celebrations rather than pre-game prep. As the 2024/25 season wraps up, fans can catch the final episode of Specsavers' Best Worst Team Season 3 on YouTube.