TICKETsales for Lowestoft Town's FA Vase final appearance at Wembley are now heading towards the 10,000 mark.This week fans of the Trawler Boys had snapped up more seats as demand for the prized tickets went through the 9,000 barrier.

TICKETsales for Lowestoft Town's FA Vase final appearance at Wembley are now heading towards the 10,000 mark.

This week fans of the Trawler Boys had snapped up more seats as demand for the prized tickets went through the 9,000 barrier.

Ahead of the team's trip to the capital for the match against Kirkham & Wesham on May 11, the Suffolk club is still hopeful of filling their allocation of just over 15,000.

And this week, as chairman Geoff Price recovered from a hip operation in hospital, his hard-working officials were rallying round for the cause.

The club's sales and marketing director Jenny Gillett told The Journal: “It's been a busy time, but this is brilliant for us - it's been unbelievable.”

In the lead up to the final, the plan is to open the football club headquarters in Love Road on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 7pm to 9.30pm to receive ticket application forms and process tickets. And tomorrow the club will be open from noon to 5pm, and each Saturday thereafter.

Sales of hospitality tickets and club merchandise have also been extremely popular - with committee member and club shop manager Steve Underdown receiving praise.

“Steve has been doing an amazing job - as fast as he is ordering stuff in, it's being sold off,” Ms Gillett said.

The club has also teamed up with David Moss at the South Pier to sell Lowestoft Town flags, so supporters can wave the blue and white colours with pride at Wembley.

“As far as we are concerned, it's great for the football club,” Ms Gillett added.

The flags cost £5 and they will be available at various outlets across the town - with a full list available in next week's Journal.

On and off the field, the Lowestoft players and management have been kept busy this week. After revelling in the surroundings at Carrow Road on Saturday, as the team received the applause of Norwich City and West Brom fans during the half time break of the Championship clash, it was back to footballing action on Tuesday as Micky Chapman and Ady Gallagher's men beat Wisbech 1-0.

“The boys had a brilliant day and were really well looked after at Norwich,” Ms Gillett said. “Our thanks go to everyone at Norwich City for their hospitality - the players and management were well received by both the home faithful and the West Brom fans were really great as well.”

Last night the Lowestoft players and staff were preparing for a “heroes' welcome” at the Foxburrow, on Yarmouth Road.

The Blues were treated to a meal to celebrate their achievement in reaching the final.

“The Blues have done wonders for community spirit by getting into the FA Vase final and we wanted to show our appreciation by treating them to a meal,” Andy Huggins, general manager at the Foxburrow said.

“We're going to make a huge effort to decorate the restaurant in their honour and hopefully give them a good send off as they make their way to Wembley.”

Suited and booted next week, the squad, management and committee will receive their special suits for the big day - which have been sponsored by former player Martyn Spore, who runs Premier Racing Services.

And it is hoped that the club will be able to train at Colney (Norwich's training ground) once again.

For more FA Vase coverage turn to page 6, 7, 78, 79 and 80.