ATHERSTONE Town secretary Dave Turner had no qualms over the way City handled the threat of problems at Wednesday's FA Vase replay.

Footage on social media shows a drink being thrown and three supporters climbing the barrier after Adders players celebrated winning on penalties in front of the away end.

READ MORE | City do not anticipate ref's report over replay stand-off

 

 

"It was one of those things, there was nothing particularly bad about it. I thought the stewards handled it really well," said Turner.

"I shook hands with the referee at the time and he seemed quite happy.

"You could see a few hanging over the barrier shouting at one of our players going up to take a penalty but you expect it, there were 600-odd people in a big ground and you are going to hear everything.

"There was nothing that was too bad, it was banter."

Turner added: "I was very surprised the safety officer said the penalties had to be taken at that (City's) end. I always thought there would be a coin toss.

"It gives a bit of an advantage to one team."

Asked if Atherstone's players had been aware of that, Turner replied: "They were very aware of it."

Turner revealed the Adders fan who briefly entered the field of play during the shootout before retreating of his own will had "apologised to the chairman".

It followed ugly scenes at Saturday's first game in which City's staff had objects thrown at them with assistant manager Marlon Walters alleging he had been racially abused.

READ MORE | City filed two allegations of racism during match at Atherstone 

"I apologised to Marlon personally," said Turner.

"He is a great guy and so is Ash (Vincent, manager), he came in and congratulated us afterwards and was absolutely fantastic.

"I didn't anticipate there would be a problem with the fans that travelled on Wednesday. We have 100-200 travel with us and never have the slightest problem.

"Graham Scott from Bromsgrove (director) said the lady who ran the away bar had nothing but praise for the supporters.

"These were the true Atherstone fans. Whatever happened on Saturday was not what we are used and not what the club is all about.

"We have some things to answer from Birmingham FA and we will sort that internally."