CUP fever is sweeping Clitheroe as the town's football club aims for the final of the coveted Carlsberg FA Vase.

Hundreds of supporters have made the journey to the semi-final at Taunton today -- and the biggest cheers will come from the Blues' oldest fan 82-year-old Arthur Rowe.

Five years ago the Clitheroe lads made it to the final and onto the hallowed turf of Wembley stadium only to be beaten by their Yorkshire rivals Brigg Town -- and thousands went to London to see their team.

But with Wembley Stadium currently out of commission, Villa Park is the venue for this year's final.

And it's only a matter of getting through today's 90 minutes of the gum-chewing and nail-biting to secure a place.

"I really think they can win. They are a good set of lads and deserve a good result. If not, I hope they at least draw so the rematch will be up here where we will beat them," said 82-year-old Arthur, of Woone Lane, Clitheroe, who travelled down with friends by car.

He has already pencilled May 6 -- the day of the final -- into his diary and is ready to go and watch them then if they make it that far.

Arthur has been a supporter of the club for as long as he can remember and has watched them through thick and thin. Another fan who will be singing his heart out for the Shawbridge club is groundsman of the past 49 seasons Keith Lord.

Mr Lord has been team manager and vice chairman in his time at the club as well as tending to the pitch and sorting out the players' kit.

Manager Dave Burgess said he feels his team has got what it takes to beat Taunton.

"Taunton are a good team, they are at the top of their league, but I don't think the lads should have a problem with them," he said.

Mr Burgess has named his squad as: goalkeeper Chris Richens; reserve 'keeper Ian Senior; defenders: Adam Gardner, Matt Anderton, Lee Sculpher, Mark Stewart, Barry Hart (Cpt); midfield: Chris Whittingham, Martin Aspinall, Jason Jones, Andy Cowking, Neil Reynolds, Carl Greenwood; forwards Gary Jackson, Neil Spencer and Lee Cryer.

The team beat Holker, Easington, Fleetwood, Wimbourne, Rushall and Chippenham to secure their place in today's semi.

The coach taking the team and officials down to Taunton left yesterday and another coach for supporters left the town today.