THE result on the field in the first Blackburn Rovers v Burnley derby match at Ewood Park in 17 years may have yesterday clearly reflected the home side's claim to Premiership status, but maximum points are also due to the police for an outstanding performance.

For theirs was the biggest-ever police operation for a football match.

And while many will regret the need for a sporting occasion to require such extensive and expensive policing, those with memories of the disgraceful riot that blighted Burnley's last visit to Rovers' ground will only applaud its overall success.

In an operation involving months of planning, hundreds of extra officers were drafted into Blackburn and Burnley before, during and after the game. And although violent clashes occurred in Accrington later in the afternoon -- with an officer being hit in the face by a bottle during one pub disturbance -- and despite stand-offs elsewhere, the police can claim and deserve credit for a highly-efficient and successful undertaking generally.

Indeed, they reacted so well to the situation that they even nipped trouble in the bud before it could break out -- as was seen when 500 Burnley fans ignored official transport arrangements and advice and travelled by train, getting off at Rishton. But if this was a ploy by an element bent on causing trouble, it was defeated when they were met by police and marched to the game under a heavy guard.

Yet if a valuable chapter has been written in the text book for successfully policing football matches full of potential for widespread trouble, hopefully, there is also the benefit that the minority hooligan element -- shamed yesterday by the good behaviour of the vast majority of Burnley fans despite their disappointment -- may now realise they cannot prevail against such well-organised forces of law and order.

And as numerous empty seats at Ewood may have testified to decent people's fears that they might, the police yesterday signalled in exemplary style that true football fans can have confidence that they can attend and enjoy derby match in safety.