A NORTH-EAST football club shamed by bogus fans earlier this year has emerged with its reputation officially unscathed.

The Football Association has given Bishop Auckland FC a clean bill of health following an investigation into crowd trouble at an FA Trophy tie with Burton Albion, Staffordshire, in January.

Both clubs presented reports to the game's governing body and neither is to face formal action.

However, the FA will follow their normal procedure and send observ-ers to some future games at Burton's Eton Park.

Violence flared in the town when thugs went on a wrecking spree at a pub and furniture store.

Twice during the tie - which Bishop lost 2-0 - hooligans invaded the pitch and police had to be drafted in from a Football League match at Stoke.

Although embarrassed Bishop Auckland officials apologised to their hosts, both clubs have accepted the troublemakers were not genuine supporters.

The FA has approved an identity card scheme Bishops' chairman Tony Duffy hopes to introduce for next season.

A spokeswoman said: "We are completely satisfied they are doing everything they can to resolve the problem they have and help stop these non-supporters turning up to these games."