A SOCCER cup tie clash ended in disarray and terror when a 25-strong armed gang stormed the pitch and attacked players.

The Kidderminster League Subsidiary Cup match between Cookley Social and Furnace Sports was abandoned in chaos as home players fled shortly after 3.30pm.

Terrified spectators, including mothers and children, sought refuge in the clubhouse which had windows smashed as the thugs made their getaway.

One player was injured and there were other reported minor injuries.

Cookley Social were involved in another controversial match last week when their Kidderminster Hospital Cup semi-final tie against Timbertree, Dudley, was also abandoned after two players were sent off for fighting.

A Cookley Social official, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisal, described Saturday's attack as "scary, gangster stuff".

"They had weapons with spikes on and just ran on to the pitch," he said. "The players were running in all directions to get away, including towards the canal."

Ernie Pike, secretary of Kidderminster and District Football League, confirmed there had been trouble at the previous week's cup-tie between Cookley and Timbertree.

"Two players were sent off and the referee was forced to abandon the match because he couldn't restore order."

He said that he had never "heard or seen anything" like the gang attack before.

"At the time of the incident, dozens of women and children were watching the match," said Insp Peter Round, of Kidderminster police. "This was a shocking and distressing incident for them to experience."

He said police were exploring a link between the two incidents.

And he appealed for anyone with any information, or who witnessed anything suspicious, to call Kidderminster police on 01562 820888, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.