VIOLENCE which marred Highworth Town’s cup win a fortnight ago will not be repeated at The Elms today and spectators will be safe, according to secretary Fraser Haines.

Fraser and the club committee have been working frantically for the past two weeks to put plans in place to cope with the biggest gate the club has ever experienced.

More than 1,000 spectators are expected to squeeze into the ground today for the game against North Shields, and with Swindon Town not playing, County Ground stewards have been drafted in to keep order.

Discussions have also been held with Supt Andrew Carr, who leads logistics on Town matchdays, and arrangements have been made for a heightened police presence.

“The police have spoken to us and they will be there on the day,” said Fraser. “There are going to be six police officers.

“Police, now, don’t like to be inside the ground. They will be policing outside whilst the stewards control things in the ground. We have been assured the police will be there and if anything does happen inside, they will respond in seconds.”

Fraser thanked Swindon Town secretary Louise Fletcher for her assistancehelp in co-ordinating stewards. A sharper eye has been cast over security and crowd management for today’s fixture after the fighting which spilled onto the pitch at the final whistle in the previous round of the FA Vase.

The matter is being investigated by the FA and Fraser said the club’s report had gone into Wiltshire FA.

As he understands it, the national body will make a decision on any disciplinary action. Off the back of that, Fraser has issued a strict warning to any home or away fans looking to create problems this afternoon.

“Anyone with the intention of causing trouble is not welcome because we have got 28 junior sides with kids who will be coming up with their parents,” he said.

“We want it to be a family party atmosphere.

“Any troublemakers will be dealt with by the police and authorities. They will be arrested and chucked out.”