POLICE are prepared for but are not expecting any trouble at Newport County’s second leg play-off clash against Grimsby tomorrow.

Around 100 officers, including many who are specially trained to deal with large crowds, will help police the event, but only 12 will be inside Rodney Parade as responsibility for crowd control lies with the stewards.

But Chief Inspector Marc Budden, who is leading the operation, said officers would be ready to step in if needed.

He said: "The feel of the operation will generally be a celebration of football, welcoming Grimsby fans to Newport and making sure everyone enjoys the game and stays as safe as possible."

"The majority of the fans are there to enjoy the game and if there is disorder we will respond."

He said the force had a good relationship with the Exiles and rarely saw trouble at games.

But he appreciates there is a lot riding on tomorrow’s semi-final, with a trip to Wembley and even promotion up for grabs, so officers are aware tensions would be high.

There was some disorder at the first leg, which ended in a 1-0 win for Newport on Wednesday, when some Grimsby fans went on the pitch after the game.

Eyewitnesses also reported seeing two Newport County fans let off flares inside the ground.

Gwent officers were working with those in Grimsby to try and identify those responsible from CCTV, but no arrests have yet been made.

The force had the opportunity to draft in officers from neighbouring South Wales Police, who regularly deal with Cardiff and Swansea fans, but Ch Insp Budden has opted for a low-level approach.

He said: "It’s about maintaining normality in Newport, officers will be in their normal uniform, they can go into protective equipment but that’s not my approach. It will be neighbourhood teams that know Newport, trying to promote a good atmosphere."

Officers involved are working their rest days to ensure the force is not left short in other areas.