Calls have been made for security to be stepped up at BAA Field after the weekend's Charity Cup match was marred when a spectator caused a floodlight failure.

North Village were leading PHC 3-0 with 15 minutes to go when two of the eight banks of lights went out.

The Serpentine Road end of the pitch was plunged into darkness and referee Anthony Mouchette had no option but to stop the game.

After 10 minutes of deliberations it was decided the score should stand as final and the cup was awarded to the Red Devils.

Initially it was thought the floodlights had failed of their own accord, but it was later revealed a fan had flipped the switch.

Shervin Dill, newly-elected President of North Village, said the incident had caused great concern.

"It was the cause for some major concerns with regard to the security at the field,'' said Dill, who said he was also worried about spectator safety. "We would obviously ask BAA to be in the position that it doesn't happen again by bringing in some type of additional security that would make it inaccessible to the public.

"I thought at first that maybe it was a failure in the electrical system -- I really was surprised to hear it was actually the intentional actions of a spectator -- it makes us very vulnerable,'' he added.

Although he said the right decision was taken by match officials, Dill said it was not the way he wanted his side to lift the cup.

"Even though we were in a very good position at the time, with 15 minutes remaining anything can happen,'' he said. "However, perhaps it was an amicable way to resolve it. I think the main issue for us is to ensure it doesn't happen again.

"There should be some type of inspection of the system and the field and facility to ensure that everything is in place for these major matches.'' Chris Furbert, PHC president, was also disappointed with the way the match had ended but agreed the right conclusion had been reached.

"If the score had been 3-1 as opposed to 3-0 then maybe there could have been the chance of a team coming back from such a deficit, but I think it was a fair result,'' he said.

BFA chairman Neville Tyrrell condemned whoever had caused the incident but said he would not be calling for a formal investigation.

"I would like to appeal that people who come to matches come with the spirit of football that is being played on the field,'' he said.

"Outside intervention is never good for the game and something of this nature is certainly frowned upon.

"In terms of investigation, BAA have assured us they will take steps to prevent people being able to do that in the future.

"It appears as if there was something that was unlocked and I imagine that was just an oversight. The club will take steps to make boxes housing switches less accessible in the future.'' David Sabir, General Secretary of the BFA, praised the actions of those on the field.

"The BFA certainly gives both clubs a tremendous amount of credit for reaching a decision right there and then,'' he said.

"It was a decision that was the best example of good sportsmanship and upholding of the value of fair play in soccer. I think they should be commended for that despite the outcome of the match.'' Craig Smith, office administrator for BAA, said yesterday he could not confirm the cause of the floodlight failure but the matter was being investigated.