Excitement is brewing in Whitchurch as the town's football club prepare for a first-ever quarter final clash in a national competition.

Whitchurch Alport have earned a tie against Newport Pagnell Town in the quarter-final clash of the FA Vase, with fans flocking to get their hands on tickets – so far more than 1,000 have been sold.

Town deputy mayor Andy Hall said: "This indeed a proud day for Whitchurch Alport and the people of our awesome town.

"I am hoping everyone will be out in support of the team on Saturday.

"I am looking forward to meeting the Mayor of Newport Pagnell who is attending along the opposition team and other WTC councillors will be volunteering as stewards in addition to the We Are Whitchurch members.

"Come on Alport!"

Alport reached the quarter finals after coming from behind to beat Coventry Sphinx on penalties away.

Alport will be playing at home, with the tie representing the furthest Alport have gone in the FA Vase. They are just two games from a Wembley final.

The match is set to be a sell-out, with all 1,200 tickets set to be filled.

Last year Alport's average attendance was 236.

Whitchurch Herald: Fans at Yockings ParkFans at Yockings Park

Stewards will be working at what is expected to be a record attendance at the KMJ Mortgages Stadium.

We Are Whitchurch will be helping with the stewarding and will be providing six volunteers.

Four of the volunteers include Councillor Jack Thornton, Cllr Adele Jackson, Cllr Mike Ridgeway and Cllr Hall.

Cllr Thornton said: "I think the whole town is not only excited about the match but proud of the club's historic achievement in reaching this stage of the competition.

"Jim Goddard, the chairman was very generous to our volunteer group in 2020.

"We are pleased to be able to return the gesture in this small way."

One commenter on a Whitchurch Facebook group said: "This is the furthest the team has ever got in the FA Vase.

"Fantastic achievement for the club and town.

"If you have never been to Whitchurch Alport FC then try it.

"One thing I can assure you is everyone is welcome and made to feel part of the Alport family."

Saturday, March 12 will be a busy day in Whitchurch with Alport playing at home and then a concert by the Welsh rock band, Feeder, who will be playing at Percy's Cafe Bar, The Star Hotel, Watergate.