by Steve Tervet

Tunbridge Wells have called on local fans to help cheer them a step closer to Wembley as they bid to reach the FA Vase semi-finals on Saturday.

Wells, pictured in red, are Kent’s last representatives in FA competitions this season. A crowd of up to 1,000 is expected to fill Culverden Stadium for the visit of Hadleigh United who are seventh in the Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties League.

Since the west Kent club reformed in 1967, their record attendance stands at 967. With nearby Tonbridge and Maidstone both playing away, that record could be set to tumble.

Wells manager Martin Larkin said: "A lot of people in the town are talking about it and a lot of the local clubs are playing their games early so they can come down.

"We need to make sure we perform because there’s nothing better than winning in front of a big crowd. The cup run does have massive benefits because we’ll never have a better chance to sell the club to the town."

Wells knocked out Vase holders Dunston UTS en route to the quarter-finals. Last weekend, in the fifth round, Jack Harris scored in the last minute of extra-time to hand 10-man Wells a 4-3 victory at Larkhall.