CHAIRMAN Richard Thorndike has defended Alvechurch’s handling of last night’s Midlands Football League Premier clash against Hereford which was marred by fan trouble.

A section of supporters invaded the pitch at Lye Meadow and barriers were also thrown before police ejected some members of the crowd.

The club has come under criticism on social media allowing more than the recommended 1,500 fans in for the clash with the official attendance 1,645.

Thorndike insists Church followed all guidance from the league and police.

He said: “We had the police down to risk assess the ground and followed their advice.

“We were told that it would be best to have the game as an all-ticket affair but we also had some MFL pass holders come down to watch the game.

“We had people from clubs such as Aston Villa and Crewe to watch the match but they were all in the clubhouse and there was around 70 MFL pass holders.

“We were also advised by police and the league that if there were some fans who arrived without tickets that to prevent them from causing problems outside the ground to let them in.

“There were 60 or 70 who turned up without tickets.

“Let me be clear, we have done everything in our power to make sure the game went smoothly.

“Under league rules you only need one steward per hundred fans but we had a lot more. We had 20 stewards, five people who were qualified door men as well as 16 volunteers."

Alvechurch fell 2-0 down as Rob Purdie and Pablo Haysham scored but Church substitute Danny Ashton pulled one back to make it 2-1.

But the home team's inability to convert penalties came back to haunt them as Nadat saw his effort saved.

The chairman also said that several police officers were present with more in the village if needed.

“We had two photographers taking videos at the game which we have sent to the police," added the chairman.

“Any Alvechurch fan who is found to have been part of the trouble will be banned.

“But Hereford also need to take responsibility. They told us before the match they have a hard core of fans who are banned from home games but can attend away matches.

“There has been trouble at Lye and Salisbury and Hereford has been the common denominator.”

Despite the unrest at the end, the clash was an absorbing affair which saw Hereford take the advantage in the title race.

Church, who have played one more game, are now second and trail by a point.

A spectator who attended the game said: “I didn't see who started it but I'd did see crowd barriers in the air and a lot of pushing and shoving.

“What I would say is some of families were concerned and left early, it was a bit worrying for children to see but the police reacted swiftly and that was reassuring for supporters.

“The vast majority of fans were mingling well though and there was a friendly atmosphere throughout despite tensions of the game!”

Alvechurch are not set to face any repercussions or punishment from the MFL.