Workington Reds will complete their pre-season build-up at Dunston on August 5 ahead of the new NPL season the following Saturday.
But the Dunston club was the centre of a bizarre incident last night which left the ground badly marked by a different kind of pitch invasion.
A hearse was driven onto the pitch soon after the start and driven round in circles, with leaflets thrown out by two masked men. A car was also driven onto the pitch and was later driven off leaving the hearse on the pitch.
The match between Dunston and Gateshead was abandoned and the incident reported to Northumberland police.
A spokesman said no-one was reported to have been threatened and they had launched an investigation.
Eventful away day at Dunston #Gatesheadfc pic.twitter.com/EZidSlxCon
— ????️ (@____B17____) July 21, 2023
He added: “While inquiries are at an early stage it is believed that those involved are known to each other and there was no wider risk to the public.
“Members of the public are urged not to speculate and are encouraged to share any footage with police to assist the investigation.”
Before their visit to Dunston, Reds have two more visits to the North East – to Whitley Bay today and to Ashington next Saturday.
In between they have a home game against Penrith on Tuesday night.
For today’s trip to Whitley Bay Reds boss Danny Grainger will still be without three senior players but has a strong quad available to take-on a side who finished fourth last season in the Northern League First Division.
The Bay have played five friendlies so far, winning two, losing two and drawing the other.
