Fears of violent brawls at a south Essex football match proved groundless.

Extra police were put on standby as Billericay Town entertained Aldershot at New Lodge in the Ryman Premier Division game.

Games between the two had been hit by incidents involving fans in the past.

However, despite the fact there were several hundred Aldershot supporters in the 1,052 crowd - nearly twice Billericay's average - police and security staff called into action for the day were able to keep their appearance at a low-key level with no trouble reported.

In fact, the only fighting on the day was on the pitch where Aldershot players Ollie Adedeji and Mark Graham were both sent off by referee Tony Gurr after brawling with each other following an argument.

Published Monday, March 4, 2002