POLICE and club stewards are bracing themselves for a mass pitch invasion should Town win their final home game against Port Vale today, while town centre pubs are preparing to host the after-party.

Extra staff and officers have been drafted in to manage the sell-out crowd at the County Ground in a match the Robins are favourites to win.

And pubs across the town centre will be hoping they do go on to lift the League Two trophy as they are holding a range of events and promotions this evening.

Acting Detective Sergeant James Neighbour, Wiltshire Police football intelligence officer, said: “We will have officers inside the stadium to support the stewards, who will be the first line in preventing any pitch invasion.

“Our role will just be to back the club staff up. It is obviously a big week for the football club and we have got the appropriate staff to deal with the the big crowd, possibly with people trying to make it on to the pitch.

“Depending on the result it will sink into the night-time economy and we expect it will be quite busy.”

Meanwhile, Paul Rocker, landlord of the County Ground Hotel, said the pub was hoping for a big turnout at an event for children’s charity, Wish House.

He said: “We are laying on food and holding a charity night with horse racing, bingo and a quiz, with all the proceeds going to Wish House.

“We are hoping Town get the win and then people come in afterwards to celebrate. We’ve raised £400 for the charity already but I’m hoping it will be nearer £1,000 after the weekend.”

Manager at The Merlin, Mark Webster, said: “Everyone connected with The Merlin is looking forward to what will hopefully be a fantastic day for the club and the town in general. We’ll be providing great quality food both before and after the match and free ice creams for the little ones.

“After the game we’ll be getting into the spirit with music from a DJ and hopefully toasting our new champions – it should be a great atmosphere.”