Segregation agreed for Arriva clash

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Marine and FC United of Manchester have agreed to segregate their fans when the Premier Division’s promotion chasers meet early next month.

The top flight clubs announced the decision in a joint statement ahead of the fixture on Saturday week (February 1) at the Arriva Stadium.

With another big crowd expected, the Mariners have opted to segregate again this season and bring in more stewards for logistical reasons following discussions with representatives of FC United, Merseyside Police and Sefton Council.

Marine's officials say the move will assist with the distribution of fans around the ground and ensure the provision of full matchday facilities for both sets of supporters.

Marine Chairman Paul Leary said: "This is another important game for both football clubs, especially for FC United who are again competing for a promotion play-off position. This will be our highest attendance of the season at the Arriva Stadium and every effort will be made to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for all supporters visiting the stadium.

"Unfortunately, there were a number of incidents last year, inside and outside the stadium and following discussions with Merseyside Police and representatives of FC United additional policing and stewarding will be provided to ensure, as far as possible, that the game will be completed with all fans having a trouble free and enjoyable day. The additional police and stewards brought in for this game are experienced in dealing with such high profile games and I thank them for agreeing to help Marine Football Club for this game."

Leary added: "I am looking forward to another great game. Once again there will be a superb atmosphere created by real football fans supporting their team. This is the sixth season that the clubs have met and both fans and officials continue to build on a friendship that has developed during that time. I welcome therefore the supporters, staff, players and officials of FC Utd of Manchester to the Arriva Stadium in what promises to be a tremendous game as both clubs strive for some level of success this season."

FC United of Manchester's General Manager Andy Walsh said: "Ourselves and Marine have enjoyed many cracking encounters in the past and we are sure this latest meeting will provide another entertaining afternoon's football. Due to the close working relationship between our clubs we are pleased to have been able to satisfy the authorities that games can be held at the traditional kick off time of 3pm. This says a lot about how well our two clubs work together and long may that continue."

Admission to the 3pm kick is £10 for adults and £5 concessions with children aged 11 and under free when accompanied by a paying adult. Admission to the ground for FC United of Manchester supporters will be via turnstiles 1 and 2 on College Rd and for Marine supporters through gates 3 and 4, accessible via the car park to the front of the stadium.

Fans of both clubs are also advised to arrive at the ground early to reduce delays at the turnstiles which all open from 1.30pm. Access via turnstiles 1 and 2 is for the College Suite which will be open for FC United fans to provide the usual clubroom facilities while normal matchday facilities will be available for Marine fans.

Further details covering the arrangements are available at: www.marinefc.com