A CROWD in excess of 5,000 is expected at Aggborough for Worcester City’s FA Cup second round replay against Scunthorpe United on Wednesday.

More than 4,000 tickets have already been snapped up by Worcester supporters despite them only going on sale on Thursday.

Fans flocked to the Guildhall within hours of tickets being released and supporters also queued at Aggborough on Saturday even though the FA Trophy first round proper match against Halifax was called off due to a frozen pitch.

City officials say they anticipate the home sections being sold out but it is not clear how many Scunthorpe have sold of their 600 allocation.

Aggborough’s capacity is around 6,400 although that will be reduced due to segregation and a temporary studio for BT Sport.

But, with a record attendance for a City match at the ground guaranteed, manager Carl Heeley is relishing the occasion.

“It shows the potential of the club if we can fill a ground like Aggborough and I wouldn’t think we’ll be too far away from it,” he said.

“It would be nice for the players and great for the supporters and I think it will be key to us getting a positive result.”

Following the Halifax postponement, City now find themselves facing a fixture pile-up, which includes a run of four games in nine days.

After Scunthorpe, they travel to Stalybridge Celtic in Vanarama Conference North on Saturday before the rearranged Halifax Trophy match next Tuesday, a Boxing Day home match against Hednesford Town and a trip to Tamworth two days later.

Worcester also take on Hednesford in the return game on New Year’s Day before visiting Guiseley on Sunday, January 4, although they would be playing 24 hours earlier on the Saturday if they reach the FA Cup third round.

It is a hectic schedule but Heeley is not overly concerned and believes the club have the squad to cope.

He said: “There are 18 or 19 players who have all got real claims to a starting berth but it’s about the squad.

“After the Scunthorpe game we play Saturday, Tuesday, Friday, Sunday and that’s going to be incredibly challenging. They all know they’re going to get their opportunities.

“It’s not ideal but that’s the price you pay for success and being in all the competitions you enter at the end of the year.”