IT WAS business as usual as a Southampton football club refused to give in to a reign of terror that they say could force them to close.

British Transport Commission Football Club went ahead with a traditional match with the French Criquetot team as they have done twice yearly for the past 25 years.

The Daily Echo reported on Saturday how the 150-member club, which has been playing since 1928, said vandals had cost them thousands of pounds. Club members blame the trouble on a huge encampment of travellers who set up camp next to their Stoneham Lane playing fields.

President Damon Brown said if the problems went on for a month he would give up after a £400 delivery of alcohol was stolen and clubhouse windows smashed in the most recent attack.

But seeing the English and French under-12 teams lock horns renewed his will to play another season.

He said: "There's no way after the length of time the club's been going that we're going to fold while I'm in charge, and that's it.

"I was majorly depressed on Friday but the whole club is geared around its kids playing football.

"OK, we haven't been able to play at our ground but the club have played the biannual game with the French and the kids have enjoyed it, and that's what it's all about."

The BTC club stopped practising on their playing fields after broken glass was strewn all over the pitches.

Their match with the French team took place at Stoneham Park - near to their ground. Playing there cost them £100.

Acting Inspector Dave Daniels of Portswood Police said it was "highly probable" the travellers in Monks Brook were responsible for the recent spate of crime.

Speaking after the match, which his team won 6 - 1, Mr Brown said: "It was just really good to see the kids playing football again. That is what it is all about. It is just disappointing that it was not on our ground."