A SMALL band of football supporters tagged the most active gang in non-league football have come through their most stringent test with flying colours.

After hearing horror stories about the activities of the Misfits, a group singled out as troublemakers at Tow Law Town's away games, a rival club asked for a police presence ahead of Saturday's FA Vase match between the two teams. The match was even made an all-ticket affair because of Castleton Gabriels' fears.

But, after a trouble-free game, the Lancashire club said the rumours appeared to have been "blown up out of all proportion" and that the attendance of the Misfits had actually added to the atmosphere.

Talks between the two clubs and the group led to the Gabriels allowing the Misfits to turn up and be given tickets if they were on good behaviour.

Gabriels' secretary David Lord said: "They turned up as we expected, and they were a bit noisy, singing and chanting, but they didn't cause any trouble. They just added to the atmosphere."

He said the decision for the precautionary measures came from "what we had picked up from other people", and added: "I think we did what we could. After seeing them come, we wouldn't have any worries to play them in the future."

While there was no actual presence from Greater Manchester Police in the ground, officers made regular visits to ensure there were no problems.

John Flynn, chairman of the County Durham club, which won the game 1-0, said the reputation of the Misfits was a product of "stupid remarks" made by one or two people connected with the group.

"It's given them the ridiculous tag of being the most active gang in football," he said, adding that his club were happy to cooperate with any other which had fears, such as those of Castleton.