Football fans' detour after coach trip error

Fans had set off from Spennymoor Town's home ground at about 08:30 BST

Football fans heading to an away game were praying for extra time before kick-off after their coach almost took them to the wrong ground.

Spennymoor Town FC supporters thought they were heading to AFC Telford United for their National League North clash, but ended up en route to Oxford City, who Moors beat 2-1 last week.

The error was spotted on the approach to Milton Keynes, almost 100 miles (161km) south-east of Telford in Shropshire, when someone checked with the driver, who had been following a sat-nav to Oxford.

The coach managed to turn around and make a dash back up north to the SEAH Stadium, arriving just in time for the 15:00 BST kick-off - only to see the team lose 3-0.

A spokesman for the County Durham supporters' group said it was thought the coach company read the job slip from the previous week.

"The lads weren't too happy about it," he said.

The club posted on X: "Fair play to the all the Moors fans who we hear have just arrived safely in Oxford for this afternoon's game. Unfortunately, we are playing AFC Telford United today. See you soon."

The supporters' group replied: "It's not our fault, we did confirm with the bus company where we were going."

The coach firm has been contacted by the BBC for comment.

In May, Spennymoor Town booked a place at Wembley in the final of the FA Trophy, only to lose 3-0 to Aldershot Town, after three second-half goals.