Early doors at Ilkeston

Ilkeston’s plans to host their biggest crowd of the season on Saturday when FC United of Manchester arrive at their New Manor Ground include opening the stadium early and segregating supporters so home fans can take possession of their favoured spot at the Awsworth Road end.

The Robins expect the Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division clash to generate their first four figure crowd since 1670 fans watched their Play-Off Final against Leek Town in April.

On Monday the club announced details of the special arrangements they are putting in place. Police have advised that segregation isn’t essential but Ilkeston officials decided they’d prefer to keep both groups of fans happy by offering them their own designated areas and boost what is expected to be an electric atmosphere by opening the ground half an hour early at 1pm.

Ticket prices at the ground, which boasts a 3,029 capacity, are unchanged and alcoholic drinks will be on sale to both sets of supporters. The Robins have also laid on extra car parking at Ilkeston FC Juniors nearby ground at Booths Field.

Ilkeston Safety Officer Chris Parsons urged fans to get along early to enjoy the atmosphere and avoid any last minute disruption getting to and into the ground.

He said: "The key message that we have to get across to supporters is that they need to arrive early. It will make the whole exercise so much easier if we can avoid serious congestion 10 minutes before kick off.

"We’ve been advised by FC United to expect around 700 of their travelling fans and they will be given the area at the Cark Park End, stretching round from the end of the clubhouse to the dug-out on the other side of the pitch.

"We have also arranged things so that there will catering facilities - including alcoholic drinks - available to both home and away supporters."