Fans attacked after Hednesford Town FA Cup win

Hednesford Town supporters were subjected to a "barrage of bricks and stones" after last night's FA Cup win at West Auckland, it was claimed today.

moreThe Pitmen won the third qualifying round replay 4-2 on penalties despite playing for almost an hour with nine men after Dave MacPherson and Ben Bailey were sent off.

But the win was overshadowed when supporters came under attack as they tried to leave Auckland's Seagrave Stadium.

The coach taking them home was forced to drive off, leaving around 15 fans behind, only returning later when the mood had calmed.

Club spokesman Scott Smith said: "They had to open the fire exit at the back of the coach to get people in.

"When we came out of the ground there were a group of around 15 youths hanging around. I've never seen anything like it. A lot of people were having to run to the coach because there was a hail of stones coming down.

"It was horrible. We had quite a few elderly supporters there and it was dark so you couldn't see anything coming, you could only hear things landing around you. Thankfully no-one was hurt."

The Pitmen made the 340-mile round trip to County Durham last night game after the first meeting ended in a 2-2 draw.