Stonehouse vandals steal park goalposts

Apr 3 2008

STONEHOUSE Violet had to switch last Saturday’s home cup fixture to their opponent’s ground after vandals stole their goalposts.

The club were due to play Thorniewood United at Tilework Park.

New arrangements had to be made after the posts were found to be missing on the morning of the game.

The pitch had been relined and painted, the day before in preparation for the Central Legue cup match.

Manager John Clifford said: “I have no idea how people managed to remove the goalposts from the pitch as they are extremely heavy.

“The incident did not do us any harm as we still managed to win.

“However, when we found out about the incident the players were gutted about losing the home advantage for the game.

“They applied themselves and are hoping that this incident was just a one-off.

“The worrying thing for me is that if South Lanarkshire Council do not get this situation rectified we will have to find somewhere else to play our remaining matches.”

A spokesman for the council, who own the ground, said they have spare goalposts in stock and they were used to replace the ones stolen.

Inspector Andy Munro at Larkhall police station, said: “We can confirm an incident did take place at the Tileworks sports centre, Stonehouse.

“We would urge anyone with further information to contact constable Colin Thomson on 01698 202300 or crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. We are currently making inquiries into the incident.”