Coronavirus inflicts 'biggest defeat in living memory' on hopes of cup and title honours for Atherstone football and hockey clubs

Atherstone Adders moved within one game of a second successive appearance in hockey's version of the FA Cup – only for coronavirus to rob them of further progress in the competition.

For after squeezing through by the odd goal in eleven against a never-say-die Southampton side, Adders has had to admit defeat to more powerful opposition – in the shape of Covid-19.

Minutes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson's televised address effectively imposed social distancing and banned mass gatherings – club chairman Joe Kobrin announced suspension of "all activities".

Matches, training and end-of-season events have all been postponed with immediate effect.

As Atherstone and district awoke today to a new world order, local sport was coming to terms with the biggest 'defeat' in living memory in a season that promised so much.

For Atherstone Adders it will likely mean no semi-final – and a possible repeat final appearance at Lee Valley – in the Tier 3 England Hockey Cup, or a chance to secure their third successive promotion as long-time leaders of the Tier 2 East Midlands Division One.

And there could be more disappointment for club captain Martin Webb, who scored two goals in Sunday's 6-5 win in the EH Cup quarter final.

He dashed off to join his England over 35 colleagues after being named in an 18-man squad for the World Cup at Beeston, Nottingham in August. But no one is thinking past the next PM press conference at the moment.

And last night the town's main footballing ambassadors – Atherstone Town CFC – also conceded the probability their 1-0 defeat in the JW Hunt Cup to Lichfield City was the "the final game of the season due to the coronavirus".

The club had been buoyed by a run to the quarter-finals of the FA Vase and strong promotion candidates from the Midland Football League Division One.

But a statement from the Sheepy Road club read: "Not the way we or anybody else envisaged the end of what looked like being a great season.

"However everyone's health must come first, even before the beautiful game and I think it's the right decision for all concerned.

"It's anybody's guess what will happen with the league from here on in, but the club urges the whole football community to stay safe wherever you are."

The same sentiments were echoed by hockey chairman Kobrin, who added: "Thank you for your understanding, and please stay safe."

Some 1,543 has tested positive for the virus in the UK with 55 deaths. But the health experts believe the actual number of cases is estimated to be between 35,000 and 50,000.

The latest guidance on cornavirus can be seen here.