Match off as club hit by vandals

WIDNES FC were left without a game last weekend when their intended clash with AFC Blackpool was called off.

The match was postponed due to the after-effects of theft and vandalism at the Lancashire football club’s Mechanics Ground.

Vandals broke into the club on Jepson Way in the town causing around £50 of damage to a rear door.

The break-in came seven days after thieves helped themselves to more than £1000 worth of drinks from the club’s bar.

Earlier, vandals forced their way into the club and threw furniture and tangerine-coloured paint, causing around £200 worth of damage.

AFC Blackpool secretary, Billy Singleton, said: “It’s mainly stock that has been taken, and the doors have been smashed in from the outside.

“We have two referees’ rooms which have been broken into, so we have had to have new locks and doors on them.

“They have got into the kitchen and taken more than £1000 worth of drinks.

“It seems whenever the premises are vacated they try to get in. The doors are locked and secured when we leave, but they just kick them down. We suspect it’s the same offenders each time.

“It’s very dark down there; they must think that it’s an easy target.

“They must realise that if they keep doing this they are going to get caught eventually.

“Hopefully this will reach a good conclusion and they will be caught.”

For their part, Widnes have not played a full match since December 10 when goals from George Lomax, Kevin Towey and Karl Ledsham earned the team a 3-0 victory over Atherton LR.

The following week’s home clash with Silsden was abandoned midway through the second half due to thick fog which shrouded the Select Security Stadium.

Joey Dunn’s team, who are currently eighth in the Hallmark Security League First Division, are scheduled to return to action this Saturday afternoon when they play host to Carlisle City who are in 10th spot.

The match at the Select Security Stadium kicks-off at 3pm.