HIGHWORTH Town and Tadcaster Albion today united to condemn the scenes of violence that marred the end of the Worthians' 1-0 FA Vase quarter-final win in Yorkshire yesterday.

Callum Parsons fired Town into a two-legged semi final against North Shields later this month, but the Hellenic League side's triumph was soured by ugly exchanges after the final whistle.

Fans from both clubs spilled on to the pitch and it was claimed by Highworth that keeper Gary Stevens, who saved a first-half penalty, was assaulted by a home supporter that led to a mass violent brawl taking place on the pitch.

Stevens himself was caught in violent exchanges with Tadcaster striker Carl Stewart, while the Worthians chairman Rohan Haines was also left with a bloody nose but refused to comment on how it happened.

Tadcaster chairman Matthew Gore told the Advertiser that a Highworth supporter had been throwing coins during the first half and then goaded the home supporters before the trouble erupted.

Police in attendance at the i2i Stadium told the Advertiser that no complaints had been lodged and no arrests had been made.

In a statement released today, Highworth vowed to "work with the authorities'' to get to the bottom of the unpleasant conclusion to their glorious day.

The statement said: "The scenes which followed a superb game of football watched by an impeccably-behaved majority of the 1307 crowd who turned out for this quarter-final replay at Tadcaster's i2i Stadium were most regrettable and ruined what should have been a celebration of a magnificent achievement for Highworth Town.

"We will do our best to work with the authorities to bring about a swift conclusion to this unpleasant and unfortunate incident.

"We wish Tadcaster Albion FC, the manager, players and committee and of course all their true supporters all the best for the rest of their season.''

A Tadcaster Albion statement added: "We are devastated with the scenes at the end of yesterday's game. We will continue to work closely with the Police, Highworth Town and the FA. We are determined to bring those responsible to account.

"As a club we apologise to everyone who witnessed and were on the receiving end of totally unacceptable behaviour.

"We do however wish to thank the majority of the 1,307 crowd who behaved impeccably.

"There will be a further statement released on Monday following a meeting of club directors and further liaison with the authorities.

"We wish Highworth Town and everyone involved with their great club continued success for the remainder of the season.''