Saturday's Merseyside derby at Goodison Park will kick off at the scheduled time of 5.30PM after the local police force withdrew a legal challenge.

Police were concerned that the later kick off could lead to trouble due to fans having more time to drink before the match.

Home side Everton will improve segregation between the two sets of fans at the game and all parties have agreed to look again at games considered to be a risk starting at lunchtime.