Campaigners held a football match last Saturday to show their support for a "neglected" park in East Finchley.

Residents' hoped the game, billed as the Stanley Road Challenge Cup, would demonstrate to Barnet Council the area is a much used and needed open space.

Supporters feel the field is under threat from development despite proposals from the community to provide continuing sports activities on the land.

Roger Chapman, chairman of the Finchley community development trust, said: "The playing field, which is owned by the council, has been neglected by the council for over three years in the face of a clear need for local sports provision."

In the match, Monday Youth Club defeated an East Finchley residents team by four goals to one.

Gerard Sagar, a parent involved in organising the match, said the main thing was the game played on the field.

Mr Sagar said:"The boys were saying how important it was to have somewhere permanent,there hasn't been any facilities provided by the council since the demolition of the Herbert Wilmot Youth Centre in January 2006."

Nicky Gavron, Deputy Mayor of London who attended the event, gave her support and emphasised the need to offer facilities for young people in the area.

"The primary concern is the youth club where the changing rooms have been shut," said Ms Gavron.

"The council should be saying they see the value of the playing fields and it shouldn't even be considered for closure."

She added: "If they take away a really good playing field, what are the children expected to do for exercise?"

A council spokesman said plans regarding the playing field are not yet finalised.

He said: "The council has been in discussions with the Finchley Community Development Trust regarding their plans for the playing fields and is currently considering the best solution for all parties."

Legal issues are reportedly still to be resolved before a decision can be made on the future of the playing field.