Uodate - A MAJOR police operation will take place on Saturday when Altrincham FC host Millwall in their most high profile game of recent years.

The Robins are expecting a bumper crowd for their all ticket' first round FA Cup encounter - Moss Lane has a 6,000 capacity and Lions supporters have been allocated 750 tickets.

Their Football League One opponents played Manchester United in the final only three years ago, but it's the off-field reputation of the London club's fans that has put the town on edge.

Messenger understands Tesco is planning to shut its Manor Road Extra' supermarket on the afternoon of the game and a number of Altrincham pubs are considering delaying opening until after the 3pm kick-off.

A spokeswoman said the store would make a final decision on Friday.

Altrincham FC's vice chairman Grahame Rowley said: "We would like to reassure the people of Altrincham that we have taken every precaution to ensure Saturday's game goes ahead without any problem.

"We have done everything we can to put people at ease and makes sure everything runs smoothly."

Chf Supt Janette McCormick, Traf ford's divisional commander, said: "People will see a heightened visible police presence in and around the ground and in the town centre on Saturday.

"Pubs have also been visited and advised that we would consider issuing a closure order' if there's any issues on the day.

"It's important to explain we are not anticipating disorder but the public can be confident we have staff in place to deal with any incidents quickly."

Chf Supt McCormick, who has experience as match commander at Old Trafford, added: "We're quite used to dealing with large crowds and the associated crime and disorder that goes with them."

The security operation also includes: Mounted police patrols around the ground and in the town centre.

Extra door-staff on duty in the town's bars and pubs.

Police on alert in nearby town's to avoid any spill-over' tensions.

Extra stewards on duty around the Moss Lane ground.