THE capacity of the Victoria Ground has been reduced by more than 1,000 for Worcester City’s Boxing Day derby against Kidderminster Harriers.

The Blue and Whites, who will play host to their local rivals on Monday, December 26 (3pm), say their temporary home in Bromsgrove can hold "in excess of 3,000" fans.

However, due to the “timing” and “profile” of the Vanarama National League North fixture, the club have agreed to restrict it to 2,000 to ensure supporters’ safety.

With Harriers already allocated 800 tickets, Worcester are anticipating “a high demand” for the much-anticipated game.

Tickets will go on general sale for City fans between 1.30pm and 2.45pm from inside the Victoria Ground on Saturday ahead their side’s clash against AFC Fylde.

A club spokesman said: “Following ongoing discussions with our safety advisory group colleagues it has been agreed that this match will be all ticket for all supporters.

“Whilst the current capacity for the Victoria Ground is in excess of 3,000, taking account of the profile and timing of the fixture and in order to accommodate all supporters safely, the capacity for this particular game has been restricted to 2,000.

“The club is therefore required to operate within these limits.

“It is anticipated that there will be a high demand for tickets.

“The detailed arrangements being put in place aim to ensure that the capacity for the game is adhered to and all supporters wishing to attend the game have the opportunity to do so.

“The club would wish to thank supporters for their understanding and co-operation in ensuring that the day is both safe and successful.”

Full season ticket holders will have a voucher for this encounter.

But supporters with 10-game tickets cannot use them on the day, meaning they will need to exchange it for a valid ticket on Saturday.

They will also get the opportunity along with season ticket holders to snap up two further tickets.

There are a limited number of stand tickets available and access to the main stand will be strictly ticket only.

To make sure they are evenly distributed, the club have set a limit of two tickets per person.

There will also be additional checks at the point of purchase to guarantee tickets are not sold to any Kidderminster fans.

Following the AFC Fylde game, any unsold tickets will be available to purchase via the Worcester Tourist Information Centre on a first come first served basis and subject to availability.

Tickets cost £13 for adults, £9 for concessions, £6 for young adults and £3 for juniors.

Any season ticket holders or supporters with 10-game tickets, who wish to make an exchange, but cannot attend the Fylde game, will need to email johnjordan@worcestercityfc.co.uk