Police officers are gearing up for the first Tyne-Wear derby match of the season.

Newcastle United play Sunderland at St James's Park in a game which kicks off at 1215 BST on Saturday.

The early start means the potential for flare-ups caused by fans drinking will be reduced.

Officers from Northumbria Police are confident that a plan which has been developed over the past few seasons, means they will be able to get the Sunderland fans in and out of Newcastle without trouble.

It is going to be a well-run match, and we are going to have a well-run operation

Chief Inspector Dave Jackson, Northumbria Police

There are 3,000 Sunderland fans making the short 14 mile journey from Wearside to Tyneside.

Chief Inspector Dave Jackson said: "Transport will be provided with the help of the football clubs, and most fans are coming on this provided transport.

"The big issue is usually how we get the away fans into the ground safely.

'Minimise contact'

"We have an operation that has been tried and tested over the past few years, and that has been shown to be successful.

"We will be looking to minimise the contact and flashpoints between the two groups of supporters.

"Most people want to come to the game and to have nothing to do with trouble."

He said the early kick-off could help minimise problems.

Mr Jackson said: "People's capacity to have alcohol will be reduced.

"There have been arrests in the past. With most people arrested or ejected from the ground, alcohol has played a role."

Tyne-Wear divide

He said the other games which required such a high-profile police presence were for the visits of Manchester United and Middlesbrough.

Mr Jackson said: "This is the game that is of the most interest to people.

"It involves people on both sides of the Tyne and Wear divide.

"But it is going to be a well-run match, and we are going to have a well-run operation."