SATURDAY'S FA Trophy semi-final is the biggest game in Morecambe FC's history.

That's according to club director Mark Hallam, who wants the whole area to get behind the Shrimps as they bid to reach their first major cup final in almost 30 years.

Mr Hallam believes the FA trophy game against Stevenage at Christie Park on Saturday provides a vital opportunity for the club and the team to demonstrate their growing professionalism.

"It's the biggest game in our history," said Mr Hallam: "In 1974 we took something like 12 or 15,000 people to Wembley.

What a great opportunity that was for the people of Lancaster and Morecambe.

"We realise that these big occasions are our opportunity to showcase our football club.

We want people to come down and experience the atmosphere of the occasion and hopefully see us turn in a good performance.

"If the team run out in front of 2,000 people they will be wondering whether it is worth it.

"If they are going to be running out in front of 3,500 or 4,000 people we need the people of Lancaster and Morecambe to get behind them.

"The football club is promoting Morecambe.

It is on the TV every week and it would be great for the people of Morecambe to repay that by getting behind us."

In team news, Morecambe will still be missing Robbie Talbot and are hopeful that the knocks which forced Dave Perkins, Garry Thompson and Stewart Drummond to come off during Monday's game at Dagenham.

Stevenage, meanwhile, are likely to be close to full strength.

Their new manager, Wayne Turner, was busy before transfer deadline day, recruiting the former Luton striker Liam George, who came off the bench in the league clash at Christie Park last Saturday.

Morecambe supporters are reminded that Saturday's first leg, and the second leg at Stevenage the following week are not all ticket, but tickets are available in advance.

The game will be segregated and the visiting Stevenage fans will be in the Umbro stand.

Normal league ticket prices apply for both games.