Scholars fight to stay at home

Chasetown's FA Cup heroes today rallied to keep their third round tie against Cardiff at Church Street.

A decision is expected by the end of the day on where the clash will take place, following a meeting between the club, FA safety officials and Staffordshire police.

Molineux and the Banks's Stadium have been suggested as alternative venues for a game which will not be shown on TV.

But Chasetown boss Charlie Blakemore said: "It would be an absolute shame if we couldn't have such a big game here now with the stars they have got.

"I'm not sure they would relish coming here, but that's what the FA Cup is about. But I know there a lot of things to think about."

Matchwinner Danny Smith added: "The shout at the moment is we might be playing at Wolves or Walsall, but I'd say get them down here.

"They're more likely to feel at home at Molineux or the Banks's Stadium, but this is what we know – we know the pitch and it brings people back down to earth."

Midfielder Ben Steane said: "I think keeping it here would be our best chance of winning because these League sides aren't used to playing at such a tight ground.

"The pitch isn't as good as what they're used to and all these things even it out."

Captain John Branch said: "Personally, I'd like it to be here in front of 2,000 again for the people of Chasetown, because it was amazing."

Star defender Chris Slater said: "It was an icy pitch and Port Vale didn't fancy it. In early January the pitch might be cutting up again.

"If it's moved to Molineux, that's the kind of place they're used to playing on. That's their surroundings, but our surroundings are Chasetown, so it would be different for them to come to our place."

Steane admitted ticket demand might outstrip supply, adding: "I imagine some Chasetown fans missed out on Tuesday."