Important information: Police advice to Darlington and Hartlepool supporters attending Tuesday’s Durham Challenge Cup tie.

Statement from director John Tempest on the Durham Challenge Cup tie:

The Police have instructed Darlington and Hartlepool United to make their supporters aware of the following important advice, ahead of the Durham Challenge Cup tie between the clubs at Blackwell Meadows on Tuesday 22^nd January.

• Access will not be allowed into the stadium or the surrounding areas if you do not have a match ticket. (Tickets are on sale from both clubs). There will be no cash admission.

Please be prepared to show your ticket to a police officer and or steward if requested prior to entry to the stadium. ID may be requested in the same name as the ticket.

• Police drone surveillance will be in operation around and inside the stadium.
• Darlington season ticket holders must have their season ticket with them and be prepared to produce it if necessary.
• Searches will be carried out before entry to the stadium. Please note that alcohol, drugs and any form of pyrotechnics are strictly prohibited.

Darlington FC would also like to state the following:

• The club, working with the police, would like to state that any fan involved in any kind of inappropriate behaviour will face a lifetime ban from Darlington FC home games. The club will not tolerate any disruption of any kind. We are sure that all fans agree that the game is to be welcomed and enjoyed, and not an opportunity to cause trouble.
• After consultation with Darlington Police there will be NO alcoholic drinks served in the Thomas Watson Bar, however there will be soft drinks, teas and coffees and concession food. 
• Please do not park in the grounds of the Blackwell Grange Hotel -- any unauthorised cars parked in the hotel's grounds will be clamped.