A NON-LEAGUE football match was abandoned after 15 minutes - because both teams were wearing the same colour.

Despite Thornaby Athletic FC and Darlington Rugby Club FC wearing red shirts, their Teesside League fixture kicked off.

However, with the score at 0-0, the referee decided to abandon the end-of-season game.

Despite the clash, players were adamant the game could have continued. Darlington were wearing black shorts and socks, while Thornaby's were red.

Barry Pickering, secretary of Darlington Rugby Club FC, said the clash was his club's fault - and blamed it on a "misunderstanding".

"I have written a letter to the league, explaining it was our fault," he said. "But it was just a complete misunderstanding.

"Both teams wanted to carry on, but we can't blame the referee. It was unfortunate - just one of those things."

Some players even came up with a novel, if chilly, solution.

"Someone suggested we take our shirts off," Mr Pickering said. "But I don't think you can do that."

Darlington Rugby Club's goalkeeper, Mark Scott, said the game - on Wednesday, April 25 - could have carried on.

"I had the sun in my eyes, but I could still see who was who," he said. "A cross came in, then the ref blew his whistle. Everybody was saying 'who's offside?', but he walked towards the ball and said it was abandoned.

"Everyone on the pitch thought we could have gone on. We were wearing dark red, and theirs was almost pinky red."

Dave Marsay, secretary of the Teesside League for the past 18 years, said he had never known an abandonment like it.

"It's the first time I've ever heard anything like it," he said. "I've been involved in football for 34 years and it's a first for me. When I was with a club, we always took two kits, but teams don't do that as much anymore."

The league's management committee are yet to decide on a punishment.

"Obviously, it has never happened before, so we don't know what the punishment might be," said Mr Marsay.

After consulting with Durham FA and North Riding FA, the Teesside League decided the result should stand. Neither club had anything to play for.

Match referee Andy Cook, from Stockton, declined to comment. Thornaby Athletic were unavailable for comment.