Fans gather for Pompey's big day

David Robbins has travelled from Australia to see his beloved Pompey

Tens of thousands of Portsmouth supporters are watching their club's first the FA Cup final since 1939.

Some 25,000 ticket holders made the journey up the M3 from Portsmouth on Saturday morning to see Pompey's first final appearance for 69 years.

Up to 20,000 were expected to gather on Southsea Common in Portsmouth to watch the game on a big screen.

The match ball was presented by Portsmouth's near non-league neighbours Havant and Waterlooville Football Club.

The Hawks surprised many to reach the FA Cup fourth round where they lost 4-2 at Premier League Liverpool.

Portsmouth goal-keeping legend Alan Knight MBE, who played more than 800 games for the club, is now a coach at Havant and Waterlooville.

"There's a sense of anticipation here," said Mr Knight, who travelled to the game with ticket competition winners from Portsmouth.

"Once we get inside Wembley it's going to explode into a wall of passion.

"I'm a little bit envious (of those playing)."

Laura Egglestone from Chicago, US, is going to the game with dad Jack

Portsmouth's only FA Cup triumph was a 4-1 win over Wolves in 1939.

Fans have travelled from across the globe to see the club take on Cardiff City in north west London.

Included are a 50-strong group who have made the 24-hour trip from Australia and New Zealand.

David Robbins, 59, has made the journey from Australia where he has lived for the last 36 years, after his son in London bought tickets.

His wife Christine said: "We have pay TV over here so that he can watch all of the Premier League games.

"Needless to say he is up at very odd hours to make sure he watches all of the Portsmouth games.

"The Pompey scarf has been draped over the TV for the last couple of months while he has been watching their progress."

World Cup

Portsmouth City Council leader Gerald Vernon-Jackson revealed he had hosted members from the Football Association in Portsmouth with a view to the city hosting World Cup matches at a new stadium in 2018 if England secures the tournament.

"Portsmouth is a football mad city, there's such a buzz," he said.

"This game helps put Portsmouth on the map."

An open top bus parade has been planned in the south coast city if Portsmouth do lift the cup, followed by a party on Southsea Common.

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