Maidstone United fans queue for FA Cup fourtht round tickets against Championship Ipswich
16:13, 17 January 2024
updated: 16:14, 17 January 2024
Fans queued for more than two hours to get their hands on tickets to watch Maidstone United’s fourth round FA Cup clash.
The National League South side – the lowest ranked left in the competition – will be travelling to Championship club Ipswich as the Stones hope to pull off another upset.
Since beating Stevenage 1-0 on January 6, fans donning the black and amber have been waiting to get their hands on a ticket, with Maidstone United securing its full allocation of 4,000 seats at Portman Road.
Today, the first wave of sales started as season ticket holders were invited to come down to the Gallagher Stadium to buy them.
The queue was forming at 7.45am despite the doors not opening at 10am. Season ticket holders will get further opportunities to snap up their place tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday, before they go on general sale.
Angela Racklack and David White have been Stones supporters for years.
Angela said: “I can’t wait for the Ipswich game. It’s going to be a big game for the club; win or lose it’ll be about the excitement and atmosphere of the day.
“I’ve followed the club on and off since they played at London Road and have held a season ticket now for two years.”
David said: “I’m really looking forward to the game. Last season was pretty tough but this season has been great and so I’m really optimistic we’ll have a great day and get the win over Ipswich.”
However, engineering works on the railway line between Colchester and Ipswich has made life harder for the travelling fans, with replacement buses operating on the day of the game – Saturday, January 27.
The Maidstone United Supporters’ Club is organising five coaches for fans to get to Portman Road, with members being asked for £20 to cover the cost and non-members £25.
Maidstone United FC says if they become fully booked it will hire more to help get fans to the game.
Season ticket holders can collect up to two admissions per membership with priority until Friday.
Gates will then open for general sale at 1pm on Saturday. It is not yet confirmed how many tickets an individual will be able to buy.
The match, at 12.30pm on Saturday, January 27 will be shown on BBC1.
The TV deal means the club will get £110,000 on top of the £230,000 it has already received in prize money from their run in this season’s competition.
Angela added: “We’re hoping for a win but ultimately I just want to take in the atmosphere, enjoy the day and see if we can get to take on a Premier League team in the next round.”
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