A FOOTBALL team were the victims of foul play after a thief conned his way into their dressing room and stole more than £700 worth of belongings.

The crook told the park attendant that he was a "late substitute" for amateur side Parkfield FC and was allowed into the changing rooms in Ashton Park, Preston, while the team were playing.

When the soccer squad returned to changing room their ecstasy at winning a crucial cup game turned to agony.

They realised wallets, watches, clothing and cash were missing.

Now the secretary of their local Sunday league is asking all teams to provide an extra man - who can stand at the touchline throughout the game, with all valuables in a bag.

Paul Higham, secretary for Parkfield FC, said: "We play all our home games at Ashton Park and were playing a cup game at the time.

"We all went back in and found that all manner of stuff had been taken by this conman. From what we can gather, this man said he was a late substitute for us and the attendant let him in. I am surprised the attendant didn't wonder what he was doing in there."

Paul added: "We pay £250 a season to use the pitch and I think the changing rooms should be locked when we go out on the pitch and only unlocked when we return after the game has ended.

"This is only our second season and we have had a case of theft once before."

Secretary of the LEP Sunday League, Eamonn McNamara, said: "It is shocking that this has happened. We must urge players not to leave valuables in their changing rooms during a game. We urge someone to carry a bag with the valuables out to the pitch and make sure they stay with it during the game."

The thief is described as 5ft 7ins tall, with a pale complexion and short, dark hair. He had a local accent.

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