A DAMNING report has been sent to the Football Association after away "supporters" caused damage and terrified families at Rossendale United's Dark Lane ground in Newchurch.

A group calling themselves the Tow Law Misfits from Durham broke glasses and damaged fittings at the Boar's Head pub in the village before arriving at Dark Lane about 20 minutes before kick off in the FA Carlsberg Vase second round clash.

Rossendale secretary Wendy Ennis is sending a detailed report to the FA asking for anyone involved to be banned.

She said: "We had families here who were frightened by what was going on and the players were put on edge because they had relatives in the stand.

"A group of people were dropped off at the Boar's Head where broken glasses and other damage occurred.

"When they arrived at the social club they were a bit noisy. There was only one woman behind the bar and I hesitate to think what would have happened if she had refused to serve them."

Glasses were smashed, the newly-covered snooker table was slashed by broken glass, fireworks were set off inside the club and curtains were damaged. The group of visiting supporters took over the stand. "Our supporters had the sense to leave. The visitors were shouting in a frightening and aggressive manner and swinging from the beams," said Mrs Ennis.

Fourteen police officers and three police dogs attended.

A decision was taken to leave the visitors in the stand until the game had ended and for local supporters to leave first.

The visitors were then put on the coach and escorted by police to the motorway. There were no arrests.

Mrs Ennis said Tow Law officials said they had no trouble with their supporters either home or away.

A business-type card printed with "Tow Law Misfits" was found after the game and Tow Law Misfits was written in the toilets.

Rossendale play in the North West Counties League and Tow Law in the North East Counties League. Rossendale lost the game 1-2.

Mrs Ennis added: "As soon as I know who Tow Law play in the next round I shall ring their secretary to warn them of what might happen."

Tow Law secretary David Fairburn said he did not know of the Tow Law Misfits.

"I saw no problems at Rossendale on Saturday although I am not saying there wasn't any. I saw the police and there were supporters in the stand with a Union flag shouting," he added.

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