Pitch invasion leaves Vics to pay penalty (From Warrington Guardian)

Pitch invasion leaves Vics to pay penalty

VANDALS have badly damaged Northwich Victoria Football Club's pitch, which could cost the club thousands in repairs.

Motorcyclists used the club's newly laid pitch at Wincham as a playground, riding their bikes across it churning up the turf as they did so.

Their actions and the damage caused has shocked all those associated with the club.

Dave Thomas, club secretary said: "It is devastating. I just don't think that they know how much money and hard work has gone into this new ground.

"It is so hard for us to completely cordon off such a vast area.

"The pitch was looking so good and now we will have to repair it all, which could cost the club thousands."

More than two thirds of the pitch has been damaged in the incident, which is believed to have taken place last weekend, probably on Sunday.

This means the entire pitch will have to be repaired, which will involve getting machinery back on site.

The pitch was originally laid last October by Holmes Chapel-based company SF Hodgkinson and Son.

The company has worked on some of Europe's top grounds for teams such as Real Madrid, Ajax and Manchester United.

The new Victoria Stadium, which replaces the old Drill Field ground, should be completed in March and this latest incident is not expected to delay work although it has made the project more expensive for the club.

scorrigan@guardiangrp.co.uk