As the clock ticks down to the biggest day in their footballing lives, Paulton Rovers chairman David Bissex has revealed they are ahead of schedule with their FA Cup preparations.
Everyone in north Somerset will remember the time when Norwich City came to town and with the match heading for a complete sell out, it promises to be some occasion.
And Bissex is expecting a record Winterfield Road crowd of 2,166 for the first round clash, after the non-league minnows installed a temporary 400-seat stand.
“We’re delighted that the game is going to be a sell out and now we can focus on enjoying the build-up to the game and the game itself.
“The tickets flew out of the door as soon as they went on sale and there were queues around the block on Sunday. It has been an amazing response and this last seven days or so has really put Paulton on the map.
“Norwich could have sold four times the amount we gave them, but that was impossible due to the restrictions put on attendance by the local authorities.
“That decision to limit the capacity was a bit disappointing, but those are the rules,” Bissex told thisisbristol.co.uk last night.
The village team, who ply their trade in the eighth tier of English football, are close to completing the required alterations to their ground which include temporary turnstiles and segregation, additional refreshment outlets and portable toilets.
“The management committee have been fantastic in getting everything organised and we are almost there,” Bissex added.
“They are all volunteers, but this last week has been a full time job for them. It has been a bit manic and my phone has been ringing non stop, but it has been a very unexpected and enjoyable experience.
“It is going to be a difficult game for us, but I know that the players will run their hearts out to do everyone connected with the club proud on Saturday.”
Meanwhile, Paulton’s local neighbours Bristol Rovers have offered a helping hand as the Winterfield Road club look to cause an almighty upset.
Despite the Pirates getting turned over in Norfolk only a month ago, boss Paul Trollope has granted his opposite number their Norwich City dossier.
But quite what good it will do them – after the Canaries gave the Bristolians a 5-1 thumping – is anyone’s guess.
“I’ve spoken to ‘Jonah’ [Paulton boss Andrew Jones] quite a lot over the last few weeks, although he hasn’t called about Norwich yet,” said Trollope.
“But, if he needs anything, we’ll be more than willing to help. We have got quite a dossier on Norwich – although it didn’t help us!
“Congratulations to Paulton for getting to the first round proper – it’s been a long journey for them to get this far and, by all accounts, they’ve deserved it.
“To get drawn against a team with Norwich’s history and pedigree is fantastic for them and the fact it’s live on TV makes it extra special.
“We wish them well – hopefully they will fare a little bit better against Norwich than we did recently.”
In team news, Rovers skipper Dan Cleverley is facing a fight to be fit for the live ITV clash after fracturing a metatarsal in his foot three weeks ago.
“The club has arranged for me to see a specialist but at this moment in time I would have to say I am no better than 50-50 to play,” he said.
Tom Haylett
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