PUBS across the town are gearing up for Swindon Town’s biggest game of the year when they take on Bristol City tomorrow afternoon.

More than 12,000 fans are expected at the County Ground match between the two fierce rivals, which should mean a busy day for local publicans.

Extra precautions will be taken to ensure there is no trouble but everyone is expecting there to be a fun atmosphere.

Bev Neale, who is the landlady at the Moonrakers Pub, said: “We have fans come in before and after the game so hopefully Swindon will win and it will be a good night.

“You have to be a little bit wary with derby games but usually there is a really good atmosphere, especially with it being such a big game.”

The Merlin pub is also expecting a busy day. A Greene King spokesperson, said: “The team at the Merlin pub is looking forward to enjoying the game with home fans on Saturday.”

Wiltshire Police has said there will be a large scale operation to ensure anyone intending to cause trouble on the day will not be able to do so.

Speaking earlier this week, Swindon commander Supt Andrew Carr said: “We just want to make sure that people can go along and enjoy the game, which is what the vast majority of people do.

“We will have between 160 and 170 officers on the day, and we are bringing in some additional support throughout the day to deal with anything that may arise.

“It is always a big fixture in the calendar and we have to be prepared.”

The club chairman Lee Power yesterday called on fans to be the twelfth man throughout the game and wants everyone to do their part. This was a sentiment echoed by Roger Bunce of the supporters club.

He said: “We’re playing the top of the league. Regardless of it being Bristol City we’re always up for the top of the league. It adds a bit extra to the occasion that it’s against Bristol.

“There has been some good football this season, we’ve got a really good side at the moment.’’ The match is all-ticket and any fans who want to go have until midnight today to buy their ticket.