Hyde United have praised a ‘fantastic gesture’ from MK Dons fans who are raising money to help repair their damaged artificial pitch.

The Tameside outfit have been left with a £12,500 bill after a flare was thrown onto the plastic playing surface minutes before the two sides met in last Friday night’s FA Cup first round clash.

But Hyde United chief executive Mark Worthington says the crowdfunding campaign launched by rival supporters, which has an initial target of £1,000, is a boost.

And he confirmed that the club expects to fulfil its National League North home fixture against Ossett Albion on Saturday despite the setback.

Mr Worthington told the M.E.N: “It’s a fantastic gesture. The MK Dons fans were brilliant on the night and it’s great that they have started this fund, which is a big help.”

BBC TV cameras captured a 4-0 triumph for the EFL League One Dons at a packed Ewen Fields ground.

But they also picked up the drama when a pyrotechnic device was thrown onto the artificial 3G playing surface, leaving numerous scorch marks as the flames were extinguished by stewards.

The club have reported the matter to the police and are threatening court action and lifetime bans if the perpetrators are identified.

Mr Worthington added: “Most people in the ground didn’t notice what had gone on and 98% of the crowd enjoyed their evening.

“The repair work will cost £12,500 and that is money that was not budgeted for.”

(Image: PA)

The Tigers will earn around £170,000 from their cup run, the first time they have reached the first round proper of the famous competition since 1994.

That is compared with the £104,000 revenue for the whole of last season.

But Worthington has revealed that the knockout windfall was already earmarked for ground improvements and community projects.

He said: “Since we went fan-owned there are a large number of jobs that need doing on the ground.

“The stands have not been painted for six years, there are seats that need replacing and the toilets need some attention too.

“We are also now running a ladies team, Tameside United Ladies, and at present there are no changing rooms or toilet facilities for them.”

The pitch rescue effort is well underway, with Bolton turf specialist GreenFields shipping in materials from Amsterdam.

Worthington said: “The area is around 75 square metres as the flare burned in numerous places, but we should have the new turf down and bedded in on tomorrow (Friday) night and then hopefully play the game on Saturday.”

The GoFundMe page was set up by members of the MK Dons fans forum AFC The Concrete Roundabout.

A statement said: “Several MK Dons supporters who attended the game were additionally impressed by the welcoming atmosphere and generosity shown by staff at Hyde United, some of whom had their taxi fares to their hotels paid for by the club directors.

“In the spirit of the FA Cup, MK Dons supporters via this GoFundMe campaign would like to raise money to contribute towards the cost of repair as a gesture of goodwill.”

One user ‘Shelly Bobbs’ commented: “As a resident of Hyde thank you. Such generosity is much appreciated.”

A spokesman for Greater Manchester said investigations are ongoing and appealed for anyone with information, particularly video footage, to contact 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.