TWO teenagers attempted to steal beer from a football club one day before a potentially vital friendly match.

The two boys scaled a security fence at Darlington Football Club's stadium on Saturday and entered an unlocked door before stealing some beer from the ground at about 9pm.

Inspector Steve Steen, from Darlington police, said the pair were disturbed by a security guard at the ground. They tried to run off but one of them was apprehended by the guard.

Police sent a dog team to the arena and the second boy was arrested and taken to Darlington police station.

A quantity of alcohol was recovered in the incident, which happened only hours before the club's charity match organised to save the club.