A serious case of FA Cup Fever is sweeping through Yate as the Bluebells prepare to face Yeovil in tomorrow’s historic cup clash at the South West Interiors stadium

Yate Town Football Club will kick off against Yeovil Town at 3pm on Saturday for the 1st round of the FA Cup, in only the second time in the club’s 114 year history.

Supporters sold out the ground of their 1600 ticket allocation for the match in under 6 hours when they went on sale last week and the club have now erected a temporary stand to accommodate the extra fans.

Here is the road to the FA Cup so far for the Bluebells:

September 4, First Qualifying Round: Dorchester Town 1 – 3 Yate Town

David Sims-Burgess made sure that it was Yate Town’s number in the hat with a third goal on 73 minutes. A loose ball from a Yate set piece, gave Mehew the first goal from six yards.

The Magpies then suddenly found themselves facing a two-goal deficit when Sims-Burgess out-paced their defence to deliver a low ball into the Dorchester six-yard box which was tapped home at close-range for a second for Mehew at the far post.

Yate sealed their win with a decisive third goal on 73 minutes when Purrington lost possession enabling the influential Harding to stride through on goal and produce a shot which Walker-Harris could only parry and there was Sims-Burgess to slot low into the net.

September 18, Second Qualifying Round: Yate Town 2- 0 Gosborough

David Sims-Burgess hit a double as Yate progressed against a side who played for most of the game with ten men.

Yate's persistence was rewarded with a 55th minute breakthrough goal. Tumlety was dragged down as he turned quickly into the box and Sims-Burgess beat White with the spot kick.

A second goal was needed to seal the tie and this arrived after 70 minutes as Ollie Mehew's sweeping run in from the left set up Sims-Burgess whose powerful low shot zipped across the greasy surface and into the far corner.

October 2, Third Qualifying Round: Yate Town 3 – 0 Redhill

An opening goal from Dave Sims-Burgess off a cross from Mehew gave Yate the lead just before the break.

A second goal was needed to lift the tension and this came on 74 minutes when Hall's low drive appeared to take a deflection as it zipped in through a crowded goalmouth.

Tumelty's expertly flighted free kick minutes later made the tie safe although there was still time for Mehew to shoot wide after another strong run and Hall to have his curling effort saved by Jack Minchin in the Redhill goal.

October 16, Fourth Qualifying Round: Dover Athletic 1 – 1 Yate Town

Olly Mehew's goal on 7 minutes had Yate Town ahead at the break in Dover but a 61st minute equaliser sent the match to a replay at Lodge Road.

October 19, Fourth Qualifying Round Replay: Postponed

Fans that had travelled to Lodge Road were left utterly ‘gutted’ when the FA Cup match was abandoned after the away team refused to play following technical issues at the stadium.

Supporters booed their own team after Dover refused to play the fixture at Yate Town after a failure of floodlights took 4 minutes longer to turn on than the deadline set.

October 26, Fourth Qualifying Round replay: Yate Town 1 – 0 Dover Athletic

900 supporters were at the South West Interiors Stadium to witness Yate Town beat Dover Athletic to put them through to the FA Cup first round for only the second time in the clubs history.

James Harding netted a 75th minute winner as Yate Town progressed in the competition.

Jubilant fans stormed the pitch in 'absolute scenes' following the match. In a post match interview, manager Paul Michael thanked the players and the supporters for the spectacular night: "I am so proud of the effort from the boys, they blocked goals, put their bodies on the line and in terms f effort we've had it all and we got the win.

"We held off the pressure at the end of the first half and tweaked a few things in half time that didn't actually come off so we resorted back to our original tactics, got a foothold in it and got the goal.

"Hards goal was brilliant and his attitude is unbelievable.

"Its awesome to now be in round one, we were just taking it game by game but the FA Cup is addictive and now we've got to win the next one!

Commercial manager Mark Thorne said: “Its the history making weekend, we just can't wait for the ground to fill up and the game to get underway.

“The club has received so many good luck messages from local business and supporters far and wide and we can’t wait for the match on Saturday.

“The club have invested in some new facilities for the match to help improve everyone's match day experience and we think its going to be a brilliant day out for all.”

Southern League Premier division side Yate Town, are the lowest ranked club left in the competition and will get £9,375 in prize money for reaching the next stage of the competition.

Club veteran 'Jacko' who has supported the side for 70 years and has been a manager, player and chariman for the side, said they have a 'punchers' chance of winning on Saturday.

"I think they can do it, why not? its the magic of the cup- we've got a punchers chance- and I think we might just edge it." He said.

All eyes will be on the Bluebells as they face Yeovil Town at 3pm on Saturday, November 6 in the first round of the FA Cup and here at the Gazette we wish them the very best of luck.

Up the Bluebells!