THERE will be an increased police presence when Chester FC play host to rivals Chorley at the Exacta Stadium next Wednesday (7.45pm).

It will be the first time the sides have met since serious crowd trouble overshadowed Chester’s 1-0 away win at Victory Park in February.

A Cheshire Constabulary spokesperson said: “There will be an increased police presence at the ground.

“This will be determined by the intelligence gathered before and during the match.”

The Blues and Chorley were promoted last season and both have made flying starts to the life in the top flight of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League.

Chester officials are hoping the eagerly-anticipated clash will attract the Exacta Stadium’s biggest crowd of the campaign.

Supporters will be able to pay on the gate on the night, although there will be no admission to the Evans Halshaw Stand.

The Blues gave away 150 family passes for that area of the ground – amounting to 600 seats – at last weekend’s Celebrate Cheshire event at Chester Racecourse.

Chester chief executive Pat Cluskey: “We are treating this as any other game. We are hoping for a bumper crowd as both teams are playing very well and it should be a good match.”

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