Reds take 2 huge steps in historic promotion push
ACCRINGTON Stanley are experiencing ‘unprecedented demand for tickets’ as their seemingly unstoppable surge for promotion and possible title glory took two more giant strides this week.
More than 3,000 fans turned out in foul weather to watch the Reds beat promotion rivals Notts County on Easter Monday, the first time that attendance milestone has been achieved for a league game in many years.
Stanley, defying the odds with the second smallest budget in the Football League, can point to a form table placing them ahead of Europe’s giants, after a stunning run of six consecutive wins.
With a three-point cushion over the chasing pack and at least one game in hand over all their rivals Stanley could mathematically confirm promotion in their next home tie against high-flying Exeter City on April 14.
Stanley’s managing director David Burgess said everyone at the club is thrilled to see fans from the town rallying round the team, who are unbeaten at the Wham Stadium in 2018.
He said: “We’ve seen a surge in interest in recent weeks and to see a crowd of 3,039 here on Monday was very satisfying.
“We’ve cut prices for the last two home games to £15 and £10 for adults and £1 for juniors and will do so again for the rearranged game against Yeovil on April 17.
“It’s been an unprecedented demand for tickets. We’re expecting even higher attendances for each of the remaining home games and the main stand has sold out for the last two. I would urge anybody, maybe older people or families with younger children who maybe won’t be able or don’t want to stand on the terraces, to buy seat tickets in advance as they are likely to sell out very soon for the remaining games.”
Peter Leatham, supporters club chairman, said: “It was terrific to see so many inside the stadium on Monday - but it’s nothing more than these players deserve with their efforts over the past few months.”
Preparations were also being made for the club’s remaining away fixtures including this weekend’s visit to Colchester and what they hope will be an end-of-season promotion party at Swindon on May 5.
Peter added: “We’re running coach travel from the club for all the remaining away games. I reckon there will be at least five coaches going to Swindon, probably more, for what should be a fitting end to the season.”
Coaches will leave the Wham Stadium at 9am and travel can be booked from the club costing £25 for members and £27 for non-members.
The club, celebrating its golden anniversary, also ensured a happy Easter for young fans by giving out around 300 Easter eggs to under-12s at Monday’s game - thanks to a partnership with Albert Harrisons & Co.
Daniel Bowerbank, Stanley’s commercial manager said: “This is the third year that the club have offered free Easter Eggs to both home and away fans for their visit to the Wham at Easter. We take pride in being a community club.”