Wembley fever grips Walsall as 12k tickets sold

Around 800 people queued at the Banks's Stadium as seats for the historic first trip to the national stadium went on sale for more supporters yesterday.

Some started camping out from 1am as tickets became available for fans with a booking history or stub from this season.

The huge demand has seen all seats in the £60 and £28 adult categories purchased. The club could only manage phone bookings for the £42 bracket. There are tickets priced at six price brackets.

Goalkeeper Richard O'Donnell was on hand to chat with supporters who were remaining in the queue during the afternoon.

The club has been granted an initial allocation of 20,000 seats for the first appearance at Wembley in its 127 year history, but could apply for additional tickets if required.

Opponents in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy on March 22, Bristol City, have taken an allocation of 39,000 tickets which go on sale next week.

One of the first people in the queue was Chris Booth who was there from 1.30am. Others to arrive hours in advance of the ticket office opening at 9am were Helen Baker and accountant Rachel Dale, aged 23, from the Tamebridge estate in Walsall.

Mother-of-two Helen, 27, who arrived at 6.30am, said: "It was busy when we got there. Everyone was in really good spirits.

"It started to hammer down with rain on us so we got a bit wet."

She added words could not describe how she felt after getting her ticket and was looking forward to the game.

She said: "It is going to be really emotional, I can't believe it is happening. With Walsall it is usually so near yet so far."

Seats went on sale to season ticket holders last Friday. Tickets for adults are ranging from £60, £48, £42, £36, £28 and £20 and for children priced at £30, £24, £21, £18, £14 or £10.

Walsall FC club secretary Dan Mole thanked the fans for their support and said the cup final had captured the imagination of the public.