A FOOTBALL match in County Durham scheduled for this evening will go ahead - despite threats that the fixture could be abandoned after vandals covered the playing surface with diesel oil.

Last night (March 21), Willington FC's Hall Lane ground was targeted by offenders, who covered parts of the line markers and grass areas with fuel from barrels that are stored in a metal shed at the facility.

Despite the disruption in the build up to the game, the scheduled Northern League Division Two fixture between Durham City and Ryton and Crawcrook Albion can go ahead as planned after work from the club's groundsman, Paul Lauder.

Read more: Diesel poured on pitch at Willington AFC ground

Paul Lauder, one of the club’s groundsman, told The Northern Echo: “It was in a big metal shed and they have smashed the lock off.

“There were 25 litre drums and there were two of them.

“They have emptied them on to the field. There are patches everywhere. You can see exactly where they have been. What a bunch of clowns."

The Northern Echo: Diesel on the pitch at Willington FC. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT.Diesel on the pitch at Willington FC. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT.

“They are idiots, and that is putting it politely.”

Willington FC chairman, Lee McConville, added: "Our ground staff have been working on the pitch all day, sanding it and trying to get any of the diesel out. 

"Even though we thought it wouldn't be playable tonight, the referee has said it's safe to play the fixture.

The Northern Echo: Willington FC has branded the vandals "clowns" and "idiots". Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT.Willington FC has branded the vandals "clowns" and "idiots". Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT.

“It is a real shame. We have a bit of bother with kids doing things without thinking of the long term consequences.

“Ironically if they want to be involved in the club they are more than welcome to come along to some games and to help out.

“I could understand it more if they broke in to steal it because of the price of diesel at the minute.”

The Northern Echo: Durham Constabulary are currently investigating the incident. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT.Durham Constabulary are currently investigating the incident. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT.

In the aftermath of the fuel vandalism, Durham Constabulary have launched an investigation into the incident, which is thought to have happened between 4.30pm and 6pm. 

The club said those responsible have been caught on CCTV.

A spokesperson for Durham Constabulary said: “We are investigating reports of a suspected break-in at Willington AFC. Enquiries are ongoing."

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054