POLICE are stepping up security ahead of today's derby match between arch-rivals Hartlepool and Darlington.

Officers have reassured the public that there will be a strong police presence before and after the game at Hartlepool's Victoria Park.

But their job has not been made easier by the fact the game clashes with England's World Cup qualifier with Germany at Wembley Stadium.

Darlington and Hartlepool had agreed to a noon kick-off, but that plan was criticised by Cleveland Police, who were concerned that visiting fans would be likely to stay in Hartlepool to watch the England game, increasing the likelihood of violence.

But even though the match will take place at the same time as the Wembley showdown, police are still taking no chances.

Past matches between Darlington and Hartlepool have been marred by violence, with rival supporters becoming involved in clashes.

In this year's playoff game at Victoria Park, Darlington manager David Hodgson was struck by a coin thrown from the crowd, and he and his staff were spat at.

Superintendent Steve Sugden, Hartlepool police commander, said there will be a strong police presence.

"We won't be checking tickets on the outskirts of town, although that is always an option, but we will certainly be asking supporters to show tickets as they approach the ground," he said.

"It is an all-ticket match, and the message should go out to fans that they will not get in the ground without one.

"The England and Germany game doesn't help, and that is one of the reasons why we did not move the kick-off time because of the potential for disorder if the games were played at different times.

"But we are confident of being able to police the match in the right way, and the public and supporters should be reassured that they will be safe in Hartlepool on Saturday."

Hartlepool United spokes-man Paul Mullen told The Northern Echo they are expecting a crowd of between 3,500 and 4,000.

He said: "The England game will have some effect on the crowd, but for the dedicated Hartlepool and Darlington supporters, there is only one game taking place on Saturday."

The only other Football League fixture going ahead at 3pm is Scunthorpe United against Halifax Town