Cup clash sold out in record time

The Glassboys - already due to host a special live edition of Football Focus on BBC 1 on Saturday 6 December before kicking off against National League Eastleigh at their War Memorial Athletic Ground - say they have had to cope with unprecedented demand from supporters chasing tickets for the second round clash.

The Premier Division club's officials are also looking forward to being the subject of a special feature on BT Sport ahead of next weekend's big game. On Friday they thanked fans for helping them sell out so quickly and said they still hoped to be make any returned tickets available for sale.

A spokesman said: "We are delighted to announce that for the forthcoming FA Cup home game against Eastleigh is a sell out! There may at some point be some return tickets available, and we will inform everyone as soon as possible if this is the case.

"Unprecedented demand from within the club, with our rapidly expanding membership, season ticket holders and strong junior and ladies sections, means that our allocation of tickets has been taken up in full without the need for tickets to go on general sale.

"From everyone at the club we would like to thank all our supporters old and new, along with all our players and parents who have made a great effort in purchasing their tickets in just a few days."

He added: "Lets hope we can have another memorable day at The War Memorial Ground and one we can remember for many years to come."

Stourbridge are flying the EVO-STIK NPL's flag in the cup alongside Salford City and Northwich Victoria, the lowest ranked team left in this season's competition.

For the second round in a row, Salford City are looking forward kicking off next weekend's cup action live on BBC1 after their tie with League Two Hartlepool United at Moor Lane was brought forward to Friday 4 December.

After earning a £67,500 live broadcast fee from the BBC for their televised 2-0 win over Notts County, the Ammies will scoop an additional £72,000 live fee after the BBC chose to return to Moor Lane.

The Vics are also looking forward to flying the league's flag in front of millions around the world when they travel to another League Two side, Northampton Town.

As their reward for overcoming National League Boreham Wood in a replay last week, the First Division North club will bank a £6,750 overseas live broadcast fee from the BBC. Jim Gannon's side are also looking forward to making an appearance on the BBC's Football Focus this weekend after welcoming the Beeb's cameras to training on Thursday night.

Apart from their TV earnings, all three clubs will collect £27,000 in prize money and a place in the FA Cup's third round if they can keep their runs going and the EVO-STIK NPL's flag flying.

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