A MASSIVE police operation will be launched when Chester take on Wrexham FC in a bid to avoid a repeat of the violent clashes which occurred when the clubs last met.

Cheshire Police say an off-pitch game plan is set to ensure genuine fans are the real winners when Wrexham and Chester football clubs meet in the LDV Vans Trophy.

Chester Police have signed up Wrexham and British Transport police for an operation in and around Saunders Honda Stadium on Tuesday, when the teams play in the Police aim to avert fans' clash quarter final of the North Area trophy.

Superintendent Ian Hopkins, divisional commander of Chester and Ellesmere Port Police, said: "Historically, there's great rivalry between these two clubs. When they last met in 1997, a minority of so-called fans clashed. We're committed to making sure that doesn't happen again and have been working with our colleagues from North Wales Police, British Transport Police and partner agencies to make sure things run smoothly.

"Police teams will be working both inside and outside the stadium overseeing the crowds. They will be supported by stewards, a network of monitored CCTV cameras, dog handlers, the Force plane and riot-trained officers. Undercover officers are also working among the crowds and everyone involved is linked up so they can easily communicate with one another."

Police teams will also be at work in Wrexham and at the city's railway station to ensure journeys to and from the match, which kicks off at 7.45pm, are trouble free.

The match is ticket-only and is expected to attract a near maximum capacity crowd (6,012). Fans from opposing teams will be strictly segregated and any attempt from supporters to gain access to stadium areas other than their own will be addressed positively.

Supt Hopkins said: "It's inevitable that some individuals will try and spoil the day. Fortunately, the majority of football fans go along because they are true supporters of their team and causing trouble is something they wouldn't even consider. My officers will ensure that the needs of the majority will be safeguarded by taking the necessary action against those foolhardy individuals bent on causing trouble.

"We've got a variety of options in our approach to hooligans including football match banning orders and we won't hesitate to use them. All can be assured there are adequate police resources available to deal with any eventuality and I would warn any potential troublemakers to stay away or suffer the consequences of their unwanted behaviour."