SAINTS have moved to allay security fears over Saturday's FA Cup clash with Brentford after Bees boss Martin Allen predicted a "potential disaster."

The outspoken Brentford manager was commenting on reports that his club's supporters have bought tickets in the Saints fans sections of St Mary's after quickly selling out their 3,200 allocation.

The London side gave no priority to season ticket holders for what is a massive match for the League One side and that has led to ticketless loyal fans - Allen predicted as many as 6,000 - seeking other ways to get into the fifth round tie with plenty of spare seats available in the home sections.

Former Pompey midfielder Allen, who met Saints chairman Rupert Lowe at St Mary's on Tuesday in a bid to extract extra tickets, said: "Perhaps they (Saints) didn't want all the Brentford supporters to come.

"They know there won't be many Southampton fans there and they don't sing very much anyway."

However, Saints, who insist Brentford turned down the option of an extra 1,000 tickets before their replay with Hartlepool last weekend, have responded by making sure only fans on the club's database can purchase tickets in the home stands.

Club secretary Liz Coley said: "Obviously we are sympathetic to those genuine Brentford fans who are going to miss out but we would urge any supporters without a ticket not to travel.

"We realise that many of their loyal supporters are still without tickets but unfortunately at this late stage there is nothing we can do.

"Martin Allen's comments were unhelpful but we are confident that the measures that we have in place will prevent any potential problems regarding fans security.

"Tickets for the match have been sold on a restricted sale basis which means that only season ticket holders, members or fans with a purchase history have been able to buy.

Ticket sales will also now end at 5pm tomorrow to avoid any problems with sales on the day of the match.

"Although we realise that this may not prevent some Brentford fans acquiring tickets for non-segregated areas, we will also have a vigilant security team on duty who coped magnificently with the derby against Portsmouth in the previous round," Coley added.

"It is unfortunate that some of the build up to this exciting Cup tie has been over-shadowed by this issue but we are totally confident in the procedures we have put in place."

Allen said: "Someone has to get their head out of the sand and say 'it is going to happen' If there's a disaster or trouble at that game, someone will have to look in the mirror and say 'why did that happen?'

"Some fans have already bought tickets and will continue to do so for what is this club's biggest game for many years. They will get in and the segregation will break down.

"The ground will be invaded with Brentford supporters and you cannot blame them for wanting to watch their team play, even though the rules say they should not mix."

The FA responded by saying: "We would certainly encourage Brentford fans not to travel if they have not already bought tickets for the visitors' section at St Mary's."

A Hampshire police spokesman added: "We're aware of ticketing problems for the match. We have a full police operation in place and will deal with any problems if they arise. We have no control over ticket allocation."