Football fever as team bags final berth

FOOTBALL fever has engulfed a market town after its local soccer heroes made it through to the prestigious FA Vase final.

Jewson league front runners AFC Sudbury will travel to West Ham' s Upton Park for the May Final after beating Essex rivals Maldon Town in Saturday's semi-final.

Travelling with the hundreds of fans to London in May will be Sudbury mayor Nigel Bennett who was among the 1,407 spectators who witnessed the weekend's historic win at the King's Marsh ground.

Mr Bennett says he is now praying the side can go one better the former Sudbury Town team that were beaten finalists in the competition in 1989. On that occasion Sudbury Town were beaten in a reply by Tamworth in Peterborough after a Wembley draw.

But Mr Bennett is confident of success this time around when AFC Sudbury meet Lincolnshire favourites Brigg Town in the final.

He said: "I watched Saturday's game and there was a fantastic atmosphere, the crowd were excellent. Although I have seen Sudbury play better this season they did what they had to and could have scored more.

"I am absolutely thrilled that the team has got to the final of a national and such prestigious competition. The victory has given the whole town a buzz and I am sure there will be an air of excitement in the coming weeks."

He added: "The final being played at Upton Park means it will be relatively easy for the people of Sudbury to get there and I am sure there will be hundreds making the journey, I certainly hope to be one of them.

"I would like to congratulate all the players on their fantastic achievement, which has helped put Sudbury even more on the map."

Two second half goals by man-of-the-match Andy Claydon gave Sudbury a 3-0 aggregate win taking them through to the final.

Win or loose, plans are being made for a civic reception for the team at Sudbury town hall following the final.