A village football side’s inaugural match went ahead despite vandals trashing their new pitch just days before.

Volunteers had spent more than a year getting St James’ Playing Fields on the Isle of Grain in tip-top condition to welcome new men’s team, Grain Veteran FC.

But overnight it was targeted by yobs on quad bikes who carved up the ground leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.

The vandalism left members of the newly formed Grain Veterans FC “gutted” and fearful that their first long-awaited game planned for Saturday would be cancelled.

But thanks to the sterling work of the community including workers from Cliffe-based landscaping company, The Mortley Group, the pitch got the seal of approval from the FA referee.

The game went ahead on Saturday (November 2) and despite a 7-4 defeat to Bredhurst Junior Vets, it was a win-win for all who have put in so much hard work and commitment.

Sarah Malone, whose husband Lee is the club manager, said: “After spending so much time and effort getting everything ready we were determined to do everything in our power to make sure it went ahead .

“It was a case of the community pulling together."

Scores of villagers turned out to support the team of lads who have all turned 35 and played the beautiful game in their youth.

Mum-of-two Sarah, 45, said: “We were all absolutely gutted when we woke up to see what they had done.”

Sharing her disgust on social media, she added: “We were so pleased to be able to announce that we are bringing football back to the village and then some sad lowlife scum had to go and do this.

The team, made up of men from the village, was formed last September.

Since then they have borrowed Cliffe Recreation Ground for their home venue and have played friendlies with neighbouring sides.

And then, with the help of Grain Parish Council, fire brigade and a local building firm came the opportunity to get a home ground in their village.

Firstly, they had to meet the FA’s strict conditions which included giving the changing room and showers a makeover and levelling the field which needed some TLC after hosting various community events including the summer fete over decades.

Sarah added: “Everyone was so looking forward to the match on Saturday. We have just received the new strip and so many have said they would be coming along, including younger people.

“We are hoping it might inspire them to create a team of their own.”

She told KentOnline one resident had captured the headlights of three quads bikes on the green at about 7pm.

She said: “I get that they might have nowhere to go to ride their bikes which is their hobby.

“But within minutes they have ruined other people’s hobby of playing football.”

The club is sponsored by The Hogarth pub in Grain and Guardian Builders which helped out with the ground preparation.