THEY queued in their hundreds to book their place on their football club’s “magical journey”.

AFC Totton fans lined up patiently for tickets at the Testwood Stadium as the team prepare for their massive FA Cup second round tie against Bristol Rovers.

A record crowd of more than 2,200 will cram in to the ground for the televised clash on Sunday – a game worth at least £72,000 to the club.

It will be a far cry from the Stags’ usual average attendance in the Southern League Premier, which stands close to 400.

But yesterday families sacrificed their Sunday lie-ins to make sure they will be among the lucky ones watching Stuart Ritchie’s side take on the West Country big guns.

From 9am onwards, the car park was packed, while many had to wait in a “holding area” while staff frantically handed out tickets throughout the morning.

For many it was a reward for their loyalty. Vouchers were handed out during the Stags’ low-key Southern League Cup tie with Poole Town last week, giving priority when tickets went on general sale yesterday.

Father and son Martin and James Cottle, from Testwood Crescent in Totton, were among the excited families to emerge from the clubhouse holding tickets for the historic tie.

Martin said: “We got here at 8.05am and were the first in line. It’s really exciting – I think Totton can do it and that it will be 2-1.”

Totton booked their place in the FA Cup second round after mauling Bradford Park Avenue 8-1.

Having already secured £42,500 in prize money, the Stags could bank another £27,000 if they pull off an upset against League Two Rovers.

Vice-chairman Paul Wallace said yesterday: “We opened at 10am and the queues went around the block – it was absolutely packed in the holding area.

“We are expecting a record crowd for this one – it’s all fantastic for the club.

“When I first came here I never thought we would go on this sort of magical journey. This has really put Totton on the map and there is going to be a real carnival atmosphere over the next week.”

The Stags, who are celebrating their 125th anniversary this year, host Bristol Rovers live on ITV at 12.30pm on Sunday.