Exeter City fans dream of glory in Manchester

Third round FA Cup game is biggest for years

Eight thousand Exeter City fans are in Manchester, or on their way there, for one of the biggest matches the club has seen for years.

They play Manchester City at the Eitead in the third round of the FA Cup this afternoon.

Club captain Pierce Sweeney won't be available for selection. Having picked up two yellow cards in earlier rounds, he's suspended.

A cup run is always good for finances - but Trust chair Pete Ferlie says they’re not just going for a day out. He's advising the players to listen to manager Gary Caldwell, do what they do week in, week out, and rely on what he claims is one of the best defences in League One to see the game out.

Fans faced a difficult journey to the north of England, because of travel disruption arising from the after-effects of Storm Goretti, but those that stand overnight on Friday told Radio Exe they hoped City could pick up at least one goal

One staying in the city centre with his family said: "Ideally we go one up and Man City have to come back from that. But even if we go two down and someone can tuck one in later, it will make us dream a little."

Trust chair Pete Ferlie, who took four trains and three buses to reach Manchester said: "What a fantastic opportunity for the players and supporters to enjoy a great day out...I'm looking forward to seeing Exeter City in the fourth round draw."

The match comes at a difficult time for the League One strugglers - which has admitted to overspending recently. This week the Trust that owns the club asked Manchester City if it would donate more of the usual share of ticket revenues to Exeter. Each side received 45 per cent of the gate, with the remainder going to the Football Association.

It's not clear whether Manchester City has responded.