The U's face Reading next Wednesday for the first Thames Valley derby of the season after the fixture was postponed in August at the request of the police.

Aaron Ramsey's Yellows currently sit third in League One, one point above sixth-placed Reading with a game in hand ahead of the weekend's fixtures.

A number of policing tactics will be in place before, during and after the match at the Kassam Stadium on Wednesday 4 November, with kick-off at 7.45pm.

As part of the operation, a Section 35 dispersal order and Section 60AA powers will be in place to help prevent antisocial behaviour, disorder and criminality associated with the fixture.

A Section 35 order gives police officers and police community support officers (PCSOs) the power to direct individuals causing, or likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to leave a specified area.

Oxford United striker Mark Harris scored his fifth goal of the season against Stockport (Image: Steve Daniels)

A Section 60AA order gives uniformed officers the power to require any person to remove items worn wholly or mainly to conceal their identity, such as face coverings, and to seize any item they reasonably believe is intended for that purpose.

The authorisations will be in place from 11am on Wednesday 4 November until 1am on Thursday 5 November in designated areas of Reading, Didcot and Oxford.

A range of specialist resources will be deployed throughout the operation, including operational football spotters, mounted officers, police dogs, public order officers, tactical cyclists and drone capabilities.

Operational football spotters will engage with supporters and assist in identifying individuals who may pose a risk of anti-social behaviour or disorder.

Thames Valley Police will work closely with Oxford, Reading FC, British Transport Police (BTP), stadium staff, local authorities and partner agencies to minimise disruption, ensure supporters can enjoy the fixture safely and prevent those intent on causing anti-social behaviour or disorder from impacting others.

Superintendent Jennifer Hogben, tactical commander for the operation, said: "This fixture is expected to attract significant interest and we will have a comprehensive policing operation in place to help ensure everyone attending the match can do so safely.

"We have been working closely with both football clubs, British Transport Police, our partners and local communities to ensure a safe operation and to prevent those who pose a risk of anti-social behaviour from impacting on others.

Oxford United centre back Ciaron Brown (centre) (Image: Darrell Fisher)

"This includes activity at key transport hubs and along travel routes used by supporters.

"However, we will not tolerate violence, disorder, antisocial behaviour or criminality of any kind.

"Anyone intent on causing disruption can expect a swift response from officers.

"We would strongly urge parents and guardians to know where their children are and what they are doing on the evening of the match.

Hogben added: "We would encourage supporters to arrive in good time, follow the directions of stewards and police officers, and report any concerns to us on the day."