Historic club gets its pitch back

A safety fence was erected around the affected area

Games are to resume at one of the north-east of England's oldest football clubs, four months after its pitch started to sink.

Tow Law Town, in County Durham, was forced to call off crucial matches when club bosses discovered the 10-metre wide hole in September 2004.

Repair work on the problem has taken longer than expected.

But, weather permitting, it is hoped the 102-year-old club can begin playing home games again on Saturday.

The Coal Authority funded repairs to the pitch, which is 1,000ft above sea level, after confirming old mine workings were to blame for the problem.

Financial worries

Chairman of the Albany Northern League club, Harry Hodgson said: "The Coal Authority has been excellent.

"We would probably have gone out of business, but they have poured in 850 tonnes of cement and materials and re-laid the turf.

"Our concern is now the weather. Winters are always severe in Tow Law, and this one is no exception."

It was thought the problem could have meant financial ruin for the club, which travelled to the former Wembley Stadium for the final of the FA Vase six years ago.

The club is due to take on rivals Chester-le-Street on Saturday.