SHE spent weeks making preparations for the big day.

Now a Winchester pub landlady is set to miss out on the biggest sporting event in the city's history.

Stephanie Reay, pictured, organised tickets for a special coach but is distraught that she will be left behind this Sunday.

Stephanie, of the White Swan in Hyde Street, will stay home to man the pumps while her family and customers travel to Birmingham to watch the FA Vase final.

They will be chanting from the terraces as Stephanie has to make do with listening on the radio when Winchester City play AFC Sudbury.

"I can't believe it," said Stephanie. "It would have been great to get to go and watch the match but the decision was taken out of my hands.

"My husband Iain was determined to go and he's taking our three kids with him. We have always worked hard to get involved with the community and Winchester City getting so far has been a great way of doing that.

"Everyone that is going is really excited. It's had a tremendous effect on the city and has been great."

A coachload of nearly 50 people will set off from the White Swan at 10am on Sunday.