Police herded dozens of rival football fans through Macclesfield after trouble flared.
The response came after verbal exchanges between Macclesfield Town and Halifax Town supporters after Saturday’s game.
Police were called to the junction of London Road and Byrons Lane shortly after 4.45pm following the match at the Moss Rose.
Officers then shepherded both sets of fans into the town centre and to the train and bus stations.
But despite verbal exchanges between groups of fans, no arrests were made, police said.
The action was witnessed by Silkmen fan David Booth, of Bond Street.
He said: “I was walking down London Road with a friend towards Byrons Lane when over a period of a couple of minutes six police cars passed us at high speed with lights flashing.
“As one Macc fan said to a police officer standing on the corner of Byron Street, this occurrence had been more exciting than the football match.”
Sgt Rob Simpson said: “There were reports of some rival banters between fans, so we responded in a show of strength to prevent any escalation.”
