WANTED: This trio pictured in the middle.
CRIME: Rather cunningly duped our stadium announcer into asking for a white Nissan Micra NE14 ABJ to be moved last night.
🤦♂️ pic.twitter.com/AmQKNAyGh3
— AFC Fylde (@AFCFylde) February 13, 2019
Three youngsters tricked Fylde’s stadium announcer into reading out the imaginary number plate NE14 ABJ, which sounds rude when read aloud.
The boys scribbled the fake car’s details on the back of a ticket and handed it in with a request for the owner to move it as one of their dads was blocked in.
"My dad's blocked in and it's an emergency – could you read this out?"
Aye, an emergency is it lads? 🤨 pic.twitter.com/vJR0m8OgzH
— AFC Fylde (@AFCFylde) February 13, 2019
It seems the announcer fell for it hook, line and sinker, although the club took it in good spirits and invited the kids back to give them free club shirts.
The prank took place during the National League side’s 4-1 win over Ramsbottom United in an FA Trophy third round replay at Mill Farm on Tuesday.
😱 UPDATE: The culprits have come forward! Fair play @jaksaunders13 and co – hook line and sinker. pic.twitter.com/Ne2bo9cBIl
— AFC Fylde (@AFCFylde) February 13, 2019
In the previous encounter at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium, the two teams had played out a remarkable 5-5 draw.
Fylde’s manager is Dave Challinor, who played for Tranmere Rovers when they reached the League Cup final in 2000, the last one at the original Wembley.
👏 “It was a great bit of harmless fun that snuck through, and it put a smile on the face of tens of thousands of people today.”
We had to get the three lads in today who've taken the internet by storm, and repay the favour 😂
Read all about it now: https://t.co/2TbqAWOmay 👈 pic.twitter.com/L7e0a3ZMss
— AFC Fylde (@AFCFylde) February 13, 2019
Challinor once held the record for the world’s longest throw-in.
He currently has Fylde lying 4th in the Conference Premier, narrowly ahead of Salford City on goal difference.
Well, it's been a hell of a ride.
I guess the moral of the story is to follow your dreams, I think?
Anyway, thanks for joining us, Twitter. pic.twitter.com/2WMvXTtqR7
— AFC Fylde (@AFCFylde) February 13, 2019