Stourbridge FC FA Cup: Glassboys ready for biggest ever match

More than 2,000 supporters will make the 100-mile journey down south to watch the Glassboys play in the third round, which is the first time they have gone so far.

And despite being the lowest-ranked club left, Stourbridge are set to take the third highest number of away fans ever to attend League Two Wycombe's ground.

"This is the biggest game in the club's history," said Stourbridge FC chairman Andy Pountney.

"Northampton was probably the biggest beforehand, but this game is massive.

"The club have sold in excess of 2,000 tickets. Wycombe said only the likes of Luton and Aston Villa have sold more away tickets at Wycombe's ground.

"For a step (tier) seven club to be playing in the third round, it is few and far between. I don't think many teams have done it. We are the lowest ranked club left in the competition by two leagues."

Three divisions will separate the sides when they kick off at 3pm in Adams Park, High Wycombe.

Mr Pountney revealed all match tickets and those for coaches run by the club had been sold out.

"We would have liked some more tickets but we couldn't get them," he said. "The game is not being screened live which is a shame.

"The club are running 12 coaches for fans to travel to the game, which is being provided by Prospect."

He described the occasion as one that will be remembered for years to come.

"It is an exciting time for the club and town. I wish for everybody to come along and enjoy the occasion. It will be special, and one we will remember for the rest of our lives.

"The support shown for Stourbridge is frightening. We have got a real big catchment area. I think we have turned everybody's heads a little bit. Hopefully we can maintain the support and keep the following."

The fans will set off in the coaches at 10.45am on Saturday from Old Wharf in Stourbridge. Chiltern Railways has said it will also be putting on extra trains for fans to get to the game.

Meanwhile the players will travel the night before and stop in a hotel near High Wycombe.

"The team will stop overnight and do preparations in the morning," said club vice-chairman Andy Bullingham.

"We will do a bit of ball work on the grass outside the hotel before the game."

Mr Bullingham hoped a 'sea of red' would be supporting the players inside Wycombe's ground during the game.

"About 300 juniors (children) will be also going, which says a lot for a community-based club," he said.

"Boys, girls and their parents are all going up to support the team and they will be in their own section. We have asked them to wear their red club clothing, hopefully there will be a sea of red.

"We could have sold a further 200 to 500 tickets which would have been nice to do. Hopefully we will put on a display and get a good result."

Stourbridge FC will have a full squad for selection ahead of the contest, vice-chairman Andy Bullingham said.

He said the fixture was rewarding for the volunteers who help run the club behind the scenes.

"A lot of people do a lot of work for nothing. Sometimes they may not always get paid back but with occasions like Saturday, it is definitely a massive pay back," he said.

The club play in the Evo-Stik League Northern Premier - the seventh tier of English football.

In comparison, Wycombe Wanderers play in fourth-tier League Two.