THE atmosphere at Hardenhuish Park -- before, during and after Saturday's nail-biting FA Cup stalemate -- was absolutely fantastic.

It was loud, excitable and extremely passionate. Worcester City and Chippenham Town supporters deserve huge pats on backs.

Both sets of fans, jam-packed into Chippenham's tight ground, whipped up an atmosphere worthy of the famous old cup competition.

One hopes that there is sufficient room left in their vocal tanks when the two meet again at St George's Lane next Monday.

These occasions, more often than not reserved for FA Cup battles, are special.

And City followers have been getting used to it recently, following the ear-splitting din during the dramatic replay comeback over Accrington Stanley.

"It was lovely. The atmosphere was brilliant," admitted Adam Webster, whose fifth minute volley gave City the lead.

"The gaffer said to all of us that this is what we play for, week in, week out. This is what all footballers want and he's right.

"Everybody loves playing in front of big crowds like that. It's like the proper games you see on television and it's good to play in.

"It's different and a little bit nerve-wracking, but it's great. I wish it was noisy like this every week.

"The atmosphere against Accrington was the same.

"If we keep playing well in the league and win a couple of big games before the replay, I'm sure we will start to see bigger crowds at home."

City travellers began streaming into Chippenham's School End two hours before kick-off, many making their way to the turnstile after negotiating a complicated spiders-web of footpaths outside the ground.

Once inside, the noise grew louder and louder as fans young and old flooded through. At 2pm, it was obvious we were in for a humdinger from the terraces.

Sam Wedgbury and Rob Warner were the first Worcester players trotting out for a warm-up. They received a rousing reception.

When the players ran out from the tunnel prior kick-off, a fanfare of red and black balloons lifted skywards in a cacophony of expectation. It was clear the away end was not to be outdone by the majority of the 2,815 crowd.

During the tension-packed tie, City fans experienced every possible thread of emotion. Delight at Webster's goal, despair when Ian Harvey levelled and a combination of relief and joy at the final whistle.

The banter between rival non-league supporters was also good-natured, al-though it was a touch premature of Worcester's section to chant 'Easy, Easy' mid-way through the first-half!