CRIMINAL cases against two Didcot Town footballers following a fracas that put an end to a match in March last year have been dismissed.

Defender Sam Elkins, 27, and midfielder Callum McNish, 25, appeared at Oxford Magistrates’ Court today for trial after entering pleas of not guilty.

The cases against them related to a pitch invasion which led to a brawl during Didcot’s game with Hereford on Saturday, March 4.

Mr Elkins, of Wantage Road, Wallingford, faced two counts of assault by beating and one count of common assault.

Mr McNish, of Lock Crescent, Kidlington, faced one count of common assault.

Both of the cases were dismissed.

The charges were linked to the incident last March.

An away fan raced onto the pitch after his side scored an 88th minute goal to go 2-1 up, in the Southern League Division 1 South and West clash.

The supporter confronted home goalkeeper Leigh Bedwell and, as Didcot’s players rushed to intervene, more Hereford fans came on to the Loop Meadow Stadium’s playing surface.

Police were called and, after all supporters were removed from the pitch about 10 minutes later, referee Wayne Chalmers abandoned the game.

One supporter said he had never seen anything like it at a football match before, while Didcot’s vice-chairman Paul Chalk said the incident was ‘regrettable’.

Hereford’s manager said the game being abandoned‘disheartening’.