Two footballers who had sex with a 15-year-old girl in their Hilton Hotel room walked free from court on Monday after a jury cleared them of rape.

Shaun Dyke (29) and Andrew Forbes (25) took the teenager back to their beds after meeting her in the hotel lobby on their way back from a West End club.

Both players, who helped non-league Winchester City win the FA Vase last year, were accused of forcing her to give them oral sex.

The under-age girl also claimed defender Dyke raped her as star striker Forbes, now of Eastleigh FC, watched. But a jury at Middlesex Crown Court cleared them of all charges after hearing that the girl was "all over them" when she learnt they were footballers.

Dyke sobbed as the verdicts were announced and both players' families cheered from the gallery. They hugged each other outside court and shouted: "Justice!", but made no comment as they left. The alleged victim remained quietly sobbing in the court following the jury's verdict after less than two hours.

The men were arrested as they tried to leave the hotel and questioned by officers. Dyke claimed the girl, whom he thought was 18, wanted sex and "invited herself" to their room. He said she then consented to sexual intercourse. "I thought she was enjoying what was going on."

Dyke, who runs his own valeting business, said the girl boasted she had a "lot of experience".

The court heard that Forbes served a two-year apprenticeship with Reading FC after leaving school at 15. He was non-league Player of the Year for 2004.

David Malone, director of City FC, had told the court he would happily leave his 18-year-old daughter alone with the two players.

Dyke, of Tern Close, Tilehurst, was cleared of one count of rape and one of rape by oral penetration. Forbes, of Derrick Close, Calcot, was cleared of one count of rape by oral penetration.

* City chairman, Richard Newsome, said he was delighted at the "not guilty" verdicts. "The club never doubted their innocence and we look forward to Shaun continuing to play for us for the rest of the season. We also wish Andy continued success with Eastleigh."

City manager, Neil Hards, commented: "It's a massive weight off their minds and ours. We've backed these two lads all the way and we're pleased the judicial system has come up with the right verdict."

Eastleigh FC chairman, Roger Sherwood, added: "We were aware of possible proceedings when Andy signed last summer, but we made enquiries and the references we received proved 100% correct. His behaviour on and off the field has been impeccable. He's a lovely lad."