SUPPORTERS of one of the region's oldest football clubs were celebrating last night after the Coal Authority agreed to repair its sinking pitch.

Tow Law Town FC feared it could go out of business last week when a ten-metre wide crater suddenly opened up in front of a goal post hours before a match.

But a drilling investigation by specialists revealed that the damage was caused by the collapse of old mineworkings, which are the authority's responsibilty.

Heavy machinery arrived at the ground yesterday and contractors expect to start filling in the hole this morning.

Club officials have been told the work could take up to six weeks and have asked the Albany Northern League to either let them share Evenwood's ground or play early season home fixtures away.

The league has been sympathetic to the club's plight and were expected to grant their request at a meeting last night.

Groundsman John Dixon said yesterday: "It is a big relief because it means we won't have to pay for the work.

"It is too soon to know how long it will be before we can use the pitch again but we are pleased work is starting now."

Assistant secretary Steve Moralee said: "We are over the moon because it could have been disastrous for us.

"The only problem is that the weather at Tow Law in late November and early December is never good and it could be a bad time to lay new turf. We are losing money from bar takings in the short term but we should get it back if we play extra home games later in the season."

John Delaney, corporate affairs manager for the Coal Authority, said: "We will fill in the hole and then work with the club to restore the pitch."