Hedgehog causes non-league game between Hitchin Town and Arlesey Town to be delayed

Assistant referee also hurt his hand on a spine

(The Comet/Damion Roberts)

A hedgehog caused a brief delay in a non-league game last night - and hurt an assistant referee in the process.

Arlesey Town went on to beat Hitchin Town in the Red Insure Cup match at Top Field, winning 6-5 on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

But the game had earlier been delayed when a hedgehog had made it's way onto the pitch.

The crowd notified the assistant referee, according to Damion Roberts of the Comet, and he went onto the pitch to try and rescue the tiny mammal.

To the hilarity of the crowd, the linesman even hurt his hand on the hedgehog's spikes, jumping back and holding his hand in pain to the amusement of the Hertfordshire crowd.

The referee eventually stopped the match and the two were able to take the pitch invade to safety.