Police have vowed to crack down on any disruptive football fans who cause trouble at the East Anglian derby next week.

Around 2,000 Ipswich Town supporters are expected to travel to Carrow Road for the match against Norwich City on Sunday, March 1 (kick-off 2.05pm).

The fixture, which could play a decisive role in the battle for Premier League promotion with both currently sides in the play-offs, is the first clash between the rivals in Norwich since November 2010, when Town lost 4-1 to City.

Norfolk Constabulary announced this morning officers will ensure safety for both sets of supporters by assisting Town fans as they travel from the train station and the coach park to the stadium.

Officers will signpost Town fans to the stadium via Lower Clarence Road, Clarence Road and Carrow Road – in the same way they did in 2010.

Chief superintendent Nick Davison, of Norfolk Constabulary, who will be overseeing the police operation, said: “Our focus will be on those whose behaviour spoils everyone else’s enjoyment and to manage areas where we have seen issues before at other matches as fans travel to and from the stadium.

“This is a great local derby event with healthy rivalry between two family friendly clubs and supporters (and) the police operation has been developed to ensure everyone has a great day out and the vast majority of fans will enjoy the event in the right spirit.”

Prior to the match, it is possible, depending on crowd numbers, that short closures will be put in place on Lower Clarence Road, Clarence Road and Carrow Road by police to help fans walk safely to the stadium.

Normal road closures will also be in place around Carrow Road before and after the match.

Norfolk Constabulary has also been working with Ipswich Town and Norwich City, Suffolk Constabulary and the British Transport Police to help ensure a safe police operation.

For up-to-date information and road closure advice on matchday, follow @NorfolkPolice.