POLICE are gearing up for what could be a feisty encounter in Newport today as County welcome arch-rivals Bristol Rovers to Rodney Parade.

Gwent Police will provide extra security for Rovers fans coming off the train, while ensuring a safe route into the city centre.

All British Transport Police (BTP) officers have had their rest days cancelled today because of the football fixtures.

Inspector Mike Jones, BTP officer in Newport, said: "Saturday promises to be a great day for Newport and Bristol Rovers fans - especially considering both clubs' close proximity to each other - and our officers will be on hand to help everyone to enjoy it.

"There will be a special train laid on after the game from Newport to Bristol, which is an addition to the usual timetable, to accommodate the large numbers of supporters expected for this game.

"The vast majority of fans are a credit to their club and enjoy supporting their team in good spirits.

"However, if there is a small minority who are intent on causing trouble and disorder, they can be assured that they will be dealt with robustly."

A spokeswoman for Gwent Police said: "Whilst we don't expect any trouble, like all police forces we will prepare for every eventuality, and ensure that we have the capacity to deal with any issues."

A Bristol Rovers spokeswoman said they were recommending two pubs for their fans to visit ahead of the 3pm kick-off.

She said: "Police have told fans to go straight to the ground and to the David Watkins Suite, while Newport County have told the fans to go to the Blue Bar."

County are expecting more than 6,000 fans to attend the League Two encounter.

No tickets will be sold today because of the known rivalry between the two sides, although many Rovers fans have claimed on online forums that they have secured tickets at County's end in advance.

A County official stated that the club had done all they could to prevent Rovers fans from buying tickets in the home end for the derby.

Dave Boddy, CEO of Newport County, said: "I don't believe that to be the case.

"Our ticket office has looked at any online sales with a Bristol post code and has contacted each one of them personally. They have been asked for their details and if any of them are Rovers fans we have turned them down.

"While you can never say never, and one or two might well have scraped through, there has been a thorough check by ourselves."

* County will be given the freedom of the city in a ceremony before today's match.

The move by Newport council marks the club's achievement in being promoted back into the football league after a quarter of a century in non-league football.