Thanks for best backing in years

The EVO-STIK League North club issued a public thank you to the Ossett public on Thursday after 1,167 turned out at Ingfield to see them host the National League club in their fourth qualifying round replay with the promise of Wycombe Wanderers in the first round proper after going into the hat for first time ever after drawing 1-1 last weekend.

As the manager of one of the lowest ranked clubs still left in the world's oldest cup competition before their 2-1 defeat in midweek, Grant Black was interviewed during the televised draw for the first round proper on BT Sport and the BBC after his side's run to the fourth qualifying round equalled the club's record.

After resisting any temptation to cash in on their success, the attendance at a competitive game was the highest since the 1950s when they were members of the Yorkshire League and often hosted the second strings of the county's giants at Leeds United, Huddersfield Town and Barnsley. Across the club's run of seven ties with two replays, a total of 3,072 people attended matches against Sheffield FC, Consett, Atherton Collieries, 1874 Northwich and their battling exit.

Addressing their supporters and everyone else who turned out to cheer them on, the club posted: "Ossett Town officials want to say thank you for the support at the Emirates FA Cup game on Tuesday evening, the support from the Ossett public, as well as those from neighbouring areas has not gone unnoticed.

"We had no idea what to expect in terms of attendance, and as it grew and grew the volunteers worked as quickly as they could to get everyone in for kick-off, although a few missed that first whistle there were no complaints as those in attendance recognised the significance of the day.

"Supporters are the lifeblood of any football club, the more there are at games means more investment in the facilities and the side. There was an opportunity to ‘cash in’ on this tie and increase the admission fee but that is something that was never considered. Whilst swelling the coffers would have been nice, it was more important to ensure everyone who wanted to watch this game could.

"This Ossett Town side has got closer to the first round than any other in the 81 years we have been in existence, increased media coverage has seen the name Ossett Town reach further than ever before. The real legacy is yet to be seen and we hope in the short term we hope there will be continued interest and an increase in attendances as we look to achieve everything we can."

Urging fans to return to see Black's side host league leaders Bamber Bridge in a 3pm kick-off on Saturday, the Ingfielders added: "We are currently in 15th place, four points outside a play-off place but because of the FA Cup success we have four and five games in hand on sides around us. Many of the players commented after the game on Tuesday how great it was to play in front of so many people and how the noise generated, especially after Alex Peterson scored, was a great motivator."

Admission to Ingfield is priced at £8 adults, £4 for concessions with ID required for students and £1 U16s. U5s go free.

Follow us: @evostikleague on Twitter | Facebook www.facebook.com/evostikleague