North Bradley FC footballers suffered double misery on Saturday when they lost 5-3 – and then found thieves had raided their changing room.

Nine players had keys, jewellery, cash and cards among other personal belongings stolen from the changing rooms at the Peace Memorial Hall while they were losing 5-3 at home to Freshford United in the Trowbridge District League on Saturday afternoon.

Club secretary Ben Howe said: “We got back into our changing rooms and one of the boys said his bag was missing and then one by one the others noticed their wallets, watches and phones were gone.

“I feel terrible and blame myself – in 19 years I have never locked the changing rooms because I didn’t think I would have to. It’s the first time I have experienced it.

“You hope and you don’t think something like this would happen in the village.”

There were more than 50 spectators watching the game going in and out to use the toilets. The last time the players used their phones was during half-time at 3.45pm.

Mr Howe believes thieves targeted the changing rooms between 4pm and 4.45pm.

Player Mike Grieve had to walk out barefooted because his socks and trainers had been stolen and centre midfielder Sam Mcwade lost precious pictures of his children’s early years.

He said: “My phone was stolen and it’s not really worth anything but I’ve had the memory card for seven years, so it is really disappointing. Dan Mercer had a week’s wages, his mobile phone and his aftershave taken.”

A stolen phone was tracked using an app to Hartcliffe in Bristol and the players have been in contact with police