Fans cheer on Bucks

Hundreds of dedicated county football fans today began their journey by coach to the north-east to cheer on AFC Telford United in the Blue Square North play-off final.

A convoy of 16 coaches, specially laid on for the match, set off in convoy from the New Bucks Head at lunchtime heading to Gateshead in Tyneside

Supporters came together at the ground near Wellington after being picked up in Madeley.

The mood was one of optimism with supporters confident their team would beat Gateshead tonight and win promotion to the Blue Square Premier.

But it is not just Wellington which provided departure points for fans heading to the game.

Lee Carter, AFC United chairman, said: "I know Wrekin College have got a full minibus and the Holiday Inn in Telford is sending one, too.

"There's even a Coldstream Guard from Aldershot who's a Telford fan and he's organised a bus-full of Coldstream Guards to go up to the game. I know of people who have spent £300 to fly up to the game from Birmingham, and the support is incredible."

Meanwhile, Shrewsbury Town fans declared their team was down but not out as play-off rivals Bury drew first blood in the battle for promotion from League Two.

The Shrews lost last night's semi-final first leg at the Prostar Stadium.

A crowd of 8,400 created a carnival atmosphere at the ground in Oteley Road with the game also televised live on Sky.