HYDE United is being gripped by cup fever as they prepare for one of the biggest games in the club’s history.
The Tigers filled three coaches within four hours of tickets going on sale for their Emirates FA Cup, fourth qualifying round tie at Buxton on Saturday, October 15.
A fourth coach has since been fully booked with 200 fans to travel by this mode of transport while many others are expected to travel by car and train.
Hyde are possibly only 90 minutes away from reaching the first-round proper for the fifth time in the club’s history – the last being five years ago when they played EFL side Milton Keynes Dons at home in a tie which was televised live.
Hyde have already beaten Warrington Rylands, Warrington Town and National League North side Darlington in the three previous rounds, collecting £11,250 in prize money along with other matchday revenue.
If they win at Buxton, Hyde will pick up a further £9,375 which will take their winnings beyond £20,000, huge for a club like the Tigers.
Hyde have met Buxton five previous times in the FA Cup, but this will be the first one for 64 years with the Bucks leading 3-2.
“All our cup draws have been difficult, and this is another which is not easy,” explained Hyde manager Nick Spooner.
“Like Darlington, Buxton are in National League North, but the incentive is that we are possibly 90 minutes away from mixing it with EFL players.”