Braintree Town are hoping they can make history both on and off the pitch when Chesterfield visit the Amlin Stadium in the first round proper of the FA Cup on Sunday.

A win against the Spirites would take the Iron further than they have ever progressed in the famous old competition and they are hoping that a bumper crowd of people from the town will take advantage of lower ticket prices to support the team from the terraces.

With the game (kick-off 2pm) being on Sunday rather than Saturday, the reduced cost – that has come about thanks to advertising from Braintree District Council – and the presence of television cameras covering the game, the club are hoping it will be one of the biggest attendances in modern times.

Chairman Lee Harding said: “It’s only the fourth time in our hundred-plus year history that we’ve been this far in the Cup.

“It used to be a big occasion to get through to the latter stages of the FA Cup qualifying rounds, but this shows the progress we’ve made.

“We’re there on merit and have as good a chance as anyone to be in the second round draw.

“Hopefully the town of Braintree will come along to support us as it’s a great opportunity for us to go further than we ever have before."

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