Winchester'S red and black army marched to Birmingham to watch one of the city's most important ever sporting matches yesterday.

Thousands of fans, young and old alike, joined forces to salute Winchester City FC at the FA Vase final - one of the most prestigious fixtures in non-league football.

Around 3,000 City supporters swathed their seats with the team's home colours - proudly brandishing their wigs, shirts and hats and holding their flags, banners and scarves aloft for all to see.

The venue at St Andrews was only around a fifth-full to capacity but City fans made sure that it never once seemed empty at the biggest game in their 120-year history.

The atmosphere was electric with Winchester supporters easily outnumbering those from rivals AFC Sudbury.

They put their hearts and souls into the game, leaping in the air and hugging each other when each goal was scored, just as the players were doing before them.

The people of Winchester were overjoyed to finally be given the chance to revel in some football glory - a rare occasion for city folk for years.

Many were choked to see so many people finally getting behind the team.

Only four years ago the club was languishing in the Hampshire League, attracting gates of around 25.

That was clearly all in the past yesterday when scores of fans made the three-hour trip on one of 20 coaches leaving Winchester.

One of them was Beverley Feeney, 43, a nursery manager, of Weeke, Winchester.

She said: "I have lived in Winchester all my life but this was my first ever football match. It's been amazing and it seems like half of Winchester has been here today.

"I have seen so many people I recognise from years ago.

"Deep down, we are all Winchester people and we are here to support the team.

"In my memory this is probably the biggest thing we have ever had.

"People will look back on today in a similar way to how Southampton do with their 1976 FA Cup win.

"This could be that sort of once-in-a-lifetime occasion."

While the club's recent success may have attracted a barrage of new fans, the old hardcore were out in force.

No one could have been more delighted to make the trip to the Midlands than Len Eades.

At 87, he is City's oldest fan and an ex-player who has seen the club change beyond recognition over the years.

He said: "We had a whale of a time. It's everything I hoped it would be and the atmosphere has been terrific. It's definitely been worth waiting 87 years to lift the cup."

Terry Bone, supporters club chairman, added: "It's been incredible. We have been selling tickets and people were still coming to buy them from our house at 10pm last night!"

Club officials were astounded even further when they took a staggering £750 in one hour through selling merchandise before the coaches set off.

With hands hurting and throats sore, everyone was in agreement that it had been a day that no-one in Winchester will forget in a hurry.

People left the coaches tired but happy - and hopeful that it won't take City as long to get to such a big match again in future!