Tickets for the FA Vase final have gone on sale as Winchester FC prepares for the biggest football match in the city's history.

Winchester take on AFC Sudbury on Sunday, May 16th, at Birmingham City's St Andrew's stadium.

Director of football, David Malone, said: "We've sold a thousand tickets plus so far and over 2,500 are out on distribution around the city. On top of that, we've sold six corporate boxes to Winchester firms."

Mr Malone said fans would have to hurry for the best seats and the last £15 ticket was sold on Tuesday. "Only £10 tickets are left now - there are no £15 tickets left," he said. "The quicker they buy the tickets, the better seats they get."

The club already has 18 coaches departing from Winchester and the surrounding area to take fans to the historic clash. Some high-profile figures in the city have already pledged to attend the game, including MP Mark Oaten and deputy mayor, Cecily Sutton.

Mr Malone urged fans to buy tickets in advance, as the club would get nothing from turnstile sales on the day. "Our ground improvements will be swelled by ticket sales," he said. "Your club needs you on two fronts - firstly, to help Winchester win the FA Vase and secondly, to improve the ground.

"We're trying to get people to rally round and support the city," he said. "These things don't normally happen. It's an occasion when Winchester as a city can show the whole country that they can be roused."

Tickets cost £3 for senior citizens (over 65) and children under 16. The club has negotiated with at least a dozen distribution points around the city, including the Hampshire Chronicle office at 57, High Street.