Joint statement from the directors of Darlington and Spennymoor Town Football Clubs.

Darlington and Spennymoor Town Football Clubs would like to warmly welcome fans from both clubs to the game in the Vanarama National League at the Brewery Field on New Year’s Day.

Both teams are playing well at the moment, and the directors want everyone who attends the match to enjoy themselves without incident, so let’s hope for another great game full of entertaining and competitive football in a family-friendly atmosphere. Local fixtures are great football events we should all be proud of.

We hope that both sets of supporters will conduct themselves in a manner befitting the fantastic reputations of the clubs. We advise you to arrive early for the game, as there will be congestion at the turnstiles.

The clubs have worked closely behind the scenes sharing information and plans, to ensure supporters can attend in a safe and enjoyable environment.

To ensure the safety of all there will be random searches of fans at the turnstiles and pyrotechnic sniffer dogs will be on duty.

Let us be clear, misbehaviour will not be tolerated, the clubs will continue to work closely before, during and after the games, and spectators will be penalised which may include exclusion from Blackwell Meadows or the Brewery Field as a consequence of their conduct.

We would like to wish all our supporters a peaceful new year and please enjoy what should be another great derby game.