SUPPORTERS attending the first-ever Worcester Derby later this month will be segregated at Sixways Stadium after an agreement was reached between both clubs. 

Worcester Raiders will host Worcester City for the first time in a competitive fixture on Wednesday, August 30 in the Hellenic League Premier. 

Officials from both clubs have been in constant contact in the past month to discuss the best way to manage the contest and after a meeting earlier this week, a decision has been made to keep home and away fans separate in the 11,000-seater stadium. 

Other issues discussed in the meeting included how the game will be policed, as well as ticket sales. 

"We have had constructive meetings with Steve Goode and the Sixways management team ever since the historic derby day fixtures were announced," said Raiders' Chairman Steve Harris.

"When we played Malvern Town last year we had a crowd of close to 1000 people in attendance and kick-off was delayed, so we are keen not to make this mistake again by introducing an online early bird ticket offer.

"I think this fixture has really captivated the city of Worcester. Every day someone stops me in the street to talk about the match, it has really generated great interest which can only be good for both clubs as we look to climb the leagues.

"Segregation is something both clubs really did not want to do, however, having never played each other in a competitive match before there was an unknown factor we had to consider for the safety of the fans.

"Worcester Raiders thrives upon being a great family club, we have worked extremely hard in the local community to create a great environment for everyone to enjoy football in a safe manner at the Sixways Stadium.

"We hope everyone can enjoy the match in a safe manner and make Worcester proud."

It will be the first time City and Raiders have ever come across each other on the pitch after a friendly back in 2018 was cancelled.

Raiders have always been at a lower level compared to their city neighbours, but were playing at the same level for the first time in the 2022/23 campaign.

City have played in the Midland Football League since coming out of the Conference North, but they were moved across to the Hellenic League for the 23/24 season by the FA, meaning there will be at least two Worcester Derbies.

Claines Lane will host the reverse fixture on Boxing Day after an appeal to move the game from December 27 was approved by the league.