Billericay Town chairman Rod Moore insists that he will have "no hesitation" in pulling the club's players off the pitch if he feels that the safety of them or the coaching staff is under threat at Aldershot Town next Saturday.
There is a history of crowd trouble in clashes between the two sides over the years and the return of current New Lodge coach George Borg to the club he parted company with nine months ago for the Ryman Premier match could act as a further flashpoint.
The Football Association is reported to be currently looking into revelations made by Borg about his time at his former club and violence fears have been fuelled by ugly scenes at last week's FA Cup tie at Aldershot, when Conference outfit Dagenham and Redbridge were the visitors.
Shots' chairman Karl Prentice is due back from a foreign holiday in midweek and Mr Moore will be contacting him or other home officials.
He said: "I will be seeking double assurances from Aldershot that there will be segregation plus adequate stewarding and policing on the day.
"We always have a large crowd travelling to what is traditionally one of our big games of the season and it will be no different next week. Having said that, some fans have already told me that they won't be taking children who normally travel to away games with them to this one.
"We are concerned about what we have heard regarding a reported lack of segregation at that match and that a section of the Aldershot support infiltrated the Dagenham fans and that's how the trouble erupted.
Shots' official Graham Hortop pledged that the club would do all in the club's power to protect Billericay and added: "We have been in consultations with the police and the people involved in the Dagenham incidents can, apparently, be identified. We will be taking appropiate action. We will not tolerate this.
"We will police and steward the Billericay game appropiately and we do not anticipate any problems. If there are we will handle them resolutely."
For more on Ryman Premier League sides see our Ryman Premier League section
Published Thursday November 7, 2002
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article