A THRIVING club’s five-year ambition of reaching the top division of the Northern Alliance has been dashed after all football was cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Prudhoe YC Seniors were positively poised in second place of the First Division, with high hopes of achieving promotion to the Premier Division.

However, all matches were halted last month when widespread measures across all sports were introduced to protect competitors and spectators from coronavirus.

And earlier this week, the Northern Alliance announced that this season will be null and void, with no promotions or relegations after the English FA announced results for the 2019/20 season will be erased for non-league divisions below the National League and National Leagues North and South.

Club secretary Duncan Graham said: “We knew the league was cancelled, but there was still a slight chance that the Northern Alliance could make a decision on promotion and relegation.”

Having accrued a total 39 points from 17 games, Prudhoe sat in second place two points behind leaders Hebburn Town U23 but with have two games in hand.

“The lads are absolutely gutted because we have been unbeaten at home this season and we were in the best position for the championship,” Graham said.

“It’s a blow for the team, but also for the club. We have worked so hard for this.”

After forming in 2015, the club set a target of being in the Premier Division within five seasons, and were on track to meet that target with promotion this season.

“Duncan added: “We are very disappointed but, under the current circumstances, football has to take a back seat.

“We have a small feeling there might have been a way to finish the season and something could be done to curtail next season.

“But the FA have looked at the whole picture and decided to call it off. Unfortunately it’s what the decision is. The lads are determined to go and win the league next season.

“They will be more than capable of playing in the Premier Division when they get promoted.”