We're aware that we have hooligans who are associated with Cardiff City ... we will be looking to deal with them very firmly if they come into the city centre looking for confrontation

Supt Kevin Tumelty, South Wales Police

On the field Stoke won two nil finally ending the "curse"" of the stadium's southern changing room.

Off the pitch police have reported few problems - so far there has been no reports of any trouble and just one arrest before the game for criminal damage.

And that was despite the 30,000 Stoke fans outnumbering their opponents' by an estimated three to one.

Ahead of the match South Wales Police said they were confident of minimising any trouble from football hooligans as the First and Second Division play-off finals take place in Cardiff.

The kick-off for Saturday's Second Division play-off between Stoke City and Brentford at the Millennium Stadium has been brought forward with the agreement of both clubs in an attempt to reduce the potential for violence.

There were concerns that some Cardiff City supporters may have targeted visiting Stoke fans following the Midland team's shock victory over the Bluebirds in the play-off semi-final at Ninian Park.

Around 600 angry Cardiff fans were involved in clashes with riot police following the match.

Senior officers said the police operation would be similar to that for last Saturday's Arsenal-Chelsea FA Cup Final which passed off peacefully.

But they were concerned that bad feelings between Cardiff and Stoke supporters could spill over into violence.

Bitter rivalry

Five people were arrested following the violence at Ninian Park on Wednesday 1 May and police are studying CCTV footage to identify other suspects.

The play-off semi-final was not the first match between the two sides to be marred by violence.

Clashes at a game at Stoke's Britannia Stadium in April 2000 left 12 police officers and 27 members of the public injured.

Senior officers said there was intelligence to suggest that a small minority of hooligans were intending to cause trouble on Saturday.

But Superintendent Kevin Tumelty, in charge of policing the Millennium Stadium play-offs, said the force was ready for any eventuality.

"Obviously we're aware that we have hooligans who are associated with Cardiff City," he said.

"We're quite satisfied that we know the identity of those individuals, and we will be looking to deal with them very firmly if they come into the city centre looking for confrontation."

Supt Kevin Tumelty hoped for a peaceful match

Meanwhile, traffic diversions were once again in operation around Cardiff to cope with the influx of fans.

Supporters were guided to different areas of the city and offered a park-and-ride service to within walking distance of the Millennium Stadium.

The action at the stadium continues on Sunday as Norwich take on Birmingham City in the First Division play-off final, while Wales face Germany in a friendly international on Tuesday night.