After suffering a devastating away defeat Barnet FC fans were hoping to make haste on their long journey home on Saturday – but for 36 supporters their luck went from bad to worse.

Having watched their team lose 3-2 to Accrington Stanley the devoted Bees fans were less than impressed when their coach broke down on the M6.

But after spending an hour shivering on the hard shoulder they were surprised to find the first-team's bus coming to its rescue.

On the orders of player-manager Edgar Davids, the bus dropped the players off at the nearest service station before returning to collect the jubilant fans just 20 minutes later.

Edgar Davids said: “We saw our fans stranded on the motorway and decided to all get off at the next service station for our coach driver to pick them up.

"This is the least we can do to thank our loyal fans for their support.”

Josh Ilan, 16, of Southgate was among the stranded fans who could not believe their sudden change of luck. He said: “We were all wearing our black and amber standing at the side of the road when the Barnet team bus came by and beeped at us.

“A few minutes later it came back. I was completely surprised – you don’t really expect things like that to happen."

When the bus arrived at the service station, Josh and the other fans had the chance to thank Davids in person as well as chat to the rest of the team including John Oster and latest signing Tom Flanagan.

Josh, who goes to most home and away games, said: “I got to meet Davids and I had my picture taken with him. We had a little chat and I told him the result was unlucky, but onto the next. It’s a day I’ll definitely remember.

“The result didn’t go our way but we’ll be talking about that experience for days to come. Not many people can say they’ve been rescued by Edgar Davids.”

Davids bought the fans cups of coffee while they waited for their replacement bus which eventually dropped them safely home in Barnet at 11.15pm.

Supporters coach regular Viv O’Grady told the Barnet FC website: “It reminded me of why I support Barnet Football Club. It’s like being part of a family. We feel a part of it and we feel that we really matter to the club.

“I thought the players might be humpy after the result and the delay in their journey but they were all lovely and happy to talk to us.

“We all thanked Edgar Davids for the gesture but he said it was us who deserved to be thanked for all of our support.”

After Davids' impressive rescue mission fans are now hoping he can do the same for Barnet FC and keep the team safe from relegation.

Were you on the coach on Saturday? Contact the news desk on 07795 497 327.