THE premature conclusion of the football season due to the coronavirus pandemic may have prevented their title charge, but a Sunday League team from the remote North Tyne valley are targeting success on the world stage.

Hexham and District Sunday League newcomers Wark FC, who only formed at the beginning of the season, have made it to the final 16 of Twitter competition, World Cup of Sunday League Club Crests, run by social media user Non-League Rambler.

The Herons have received enough public votes to see them progress through various rounds, with a place in the last 16 up for grabs. The result of the last 32 was due to conclude last night, but Wark were ahead at the time of going to press.

CSKA Emneth of Kings Lynn stand in their way of a quarter-finals stage.

Wark secretary Will Forsyth said he was unsure who put the club's badge forward for the competition, but said he was surprised with how big the competition had become with votes coming from across the globe.

He said: "Everybody is crying out for a game of football but this gives the team something to keep their interest in the club going during lockdown.

"It's a shame the season came to an end when it did as we were in a good position to get promoted with games in hand, but this competition gives us a chance of winning something."

People can vote for Wark on Twitter at @NonRambler.