Taking to social media, Donacloney Football Club said they had purchased the nets just weeks ago and urged residents to be vigilant.

“Our committee were left extremely frustrated and disappointed last night as we discovered damage has been done to our nets,” they said, sharing a photo of the damaged net.

“We purchased brand new nets during the summer and now, only a matter of weeks into the season, they have been damaged.

“Unfortunately the damage is not just wear and tear and looks deliberate, and the club are now needing to put in time and effort to salvage the netting to ensure it is playable in the short term, and will be left further out of pocket to replace the net again.

“We would urge local residents to be vigilant and alert us of any suspicious activity around the pitch.”

The club’s post was greeted with messages of support, with one user writing: “Absolutely shocking clearly (have) nothing better to do hard work and time and money goes into maintaining that pitch and every(one) is more than welcome but to damage property and cut holes in goal nets that where bought new is unbelievable.”

Another said: “That is terrible you are a local club helping the local community. Leave them alone.”

Earlier this year, the small club made headlines after ex-Crusaders goalkeeper Terry Nicholson made a winning return to competitive football as part of the team after recently turning 80.

The former Irish League player and manager featured in Donacloney FC’s 5-3 victory over Lisburn Youth in April keeping things tidy for around 80 mins before going off to the applause of both teams.

Nicholson had turned out for the side a decade ago after his 70th birthday, appearing in a 5-5 draw with Dungannon Roves Reserves in 2014.