Fans earned praise for their behaviour during Saturday's Wrexham v Chester football clash but the derby has still resulted in the North Wales side launching an inquiry into how a number of home seats were damaged during the clash.

About 40 seats were either broken or damaged in the far corner of the Mold Road Stand, closest to the away fans, at Saturday’s match.

The club is investigating whether the damage was intentional or a result of the wild celebrations as the Dragons romped to a 3-0 win in front of Racecourse crowd of 6,459.

Repair bill

Chief executive Don Bircham said they do not yet know the exact cost of the damage but admitted it would be “a significant amount of money”.

A crowdfunding page has been set up by a Dragons’ fan in a bid to raise £1,000 towards the repair bill, with more than £150 donated so far.

Related story: No arrests as North Wales Police confirm derby 'passed without incident'

Mr Bircham told the Daily Post: “We’re speaking to the safety officer today to get to the bottom of it – whether it was over exuberance or intentional criminal damage.

“We hopefully should have an answer in the next 24 hours.”

Stadium owners Glyndwr University added in a statement: “The university is disappointed to see that damage has again taken place at the stadium during this fixture. We will investigate the incident and look to resolve the issue in partnership with Wrexham AFC.”

North Wales Police confirmed that no arrests were made on Saturday and that the force’s “carefully planned policing strategy” helped ensure that the fixture “passed off without incident”.

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This was the third season in succession that ‘bubble match’ restrictions had been placed on both sets of supporters for the two league fixtures.

The controversial measure means away fans can only attend by travelling on officially organised coaches from their respective club.

Police operation

Supt Alex Goss said: “I am pleased with the success of the police operation. Our aim had always been to see the game pass peacefully while taking into account the rights of the people of Wrexham to go about their normal business.

“There were no arrests and a number of people have expressed their thanks for the safer transport scheme which they believe helped account for the large attendance and contributed to an enjoyable occasion.

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“I would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding for any disruption that was caused. I would also like to thank the fans for their cooperation.”

Bubble match restrictions have come under fire from both sets of supporters in recent seasons with a lifelong Wrexham fan setting up a petition back in 2014 calling for the “draconian” measures to be lifted.

And last month, local councillor and Dragons supporter Arfon Jones, who is standing for election to become the next Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales, launched a petition of his own urging Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary to determine whether use of the travel restrictions by the two forces is “necessary and proportionate”.

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