CHIPPENHAM Town's joy at taking maximum points from their visit to Folkestone Invica on Saturday turned sour at the final whistle when the visiting players discovered their dressing room had been ransacked by thieves.

Seven members of the Bluebirds squad, including Mark Badman, Steve Brown, Simon Charity, Adie Mings and Martin Paul, all returned to find possessions missing.

A number of mobile phones and two wallets were among the items stolen during the game, although Badman's wallet has since been found by Kent Police.

Invicta's ground was also targeted by thieves during last Tuesday's draw against local rivals Welling.

The visitors' dressing room door was left unlocked during the second half on Saturday, but assistant boss Colin Bush, whose mobile phone was among those taken, feels the Invicta matchday staff should have been more vigilant.

Said Bush: "It was a terrible thing to have happen and a big price to pay just because you didn't lock your door.

"There were at least six phones gone and there were plenty of stewards about. It looked as though the only way in was down the tunnel, so I don't know how they got in.

"Apparently it happened on Tuesday night as well and, when you are playing 190 miles away from home, you expect to be looked after. A word of warning wouldn't have gone amiss.

"The lads were absolutely gutted after the game and it is an inconvenience for everyone."