Rishi Sunak sent an awkward good luck message to non-league Stockton Town - hours before they lost to Long Eaton United on penalties in the Northern Premier League East Division play-off final.
Sunak, 42, wished the Anchors well in a video ahead of their game against Long Eaton at Bishopton Road as they eyed promotion to the seventh tier of English football.
Speaking before the game, the Prime Minister said: "Your local MP Matt Vickers has been telling me about all the action down at Bishopton Road. The exciting semi-final play-off and how Mikey Roberts brought the nail-biting penalty shootout to an end.
"I understand you've got some of the best and loudest fans around, and Stockton is right behind you, and the town couldn't be prouder. I just wanted to wish you the very best of luck in today’s final." Holding up a Stockton top, the PM added: "Good luck The Anchors."
But it is safe to say Sunak's message backfired. Alex Marshall gave Long Eaton the lead, before Stockton turned the game on its head after the half-time break through goals from Dale Mulligan and Matty Tymon.
However, the game took yet another twist as Long Eaton levelled late on when Luke Cox fired home to take the play-off final to extra-time. Neither team could be separated after 120 minutes, though, as the match finished 2-2 and went to penalties to decide who would gain promotion.
Jamie Walker ended up scoring the decisive penalty to send Long Eaton up, sparking jubilant scenes from the travelling supporters, who made the 140+ mile trip to the North East. Manager Ian Deakin could not contain his excitement in his post-match interview and he had a special message for Sunak.
He told the club's YouTube channel: "We are going to get ourselves a beer and keep going until I can't see anymore, so that's what we're going to do initially. Enjoy the ride back with the fans and supporters, everyone involved.
"But as soon as this game had finished, I am already thinking about what is going to happen next year and that's where my mind works. I don't know if I have OCD or anything but that is the way I work, I am always trying to think about the next steps moving forward.
"I don't think there are many teams that could do what we have done this year in the face of adversity, in this league, tough travelling, these lads keep fighting and you get your just rewards when you put the work in.
"Last thing I want to say is a message for Rishi Sunak, put that one in your pipe and smoke it. Yes!"
Long Eaton goalkeeper Ross Durrant said on social media: "Bore off Rishi. Stick to ya day job. Up the blues." Assistant Manager Adam Campbell added: "#DeakinsBarmyArmy. Bore off Rishi you melt."
Meanwhile, fans also taunted Sunak for his message. One said: "How can someone come across SO insincere? It's just so forced (not the insincerity, that's natural)." Another claimed: "Got to give credit to the man for not making it look like he's reading off an autocue."
Long Eaton will now play in either the Northern Premier League or the Southern Premier League Central next season, while Stockton remain in the eighth tier of the English pyramid.
