MORE than 30,000 football fans are gearing up for their big day at Wembley as play-off fever brings two Greater Manchester towns head to head.

An army of Stockport County and Rochdale supporters are heading to London to see their sides compete in the League Two play-off final.

Both towns are expected to be deserted on Monday afternoon as those who stay behind watch the action live on TV.

The winner of the match will be promoted to what is called League One but is actually the third tier in English football.

Three-hour ticket queues have been reported throughout the week at Stockport's Edgeley Park home.

Following

The club is running 50 fully booked coaches. Another 50 private coaches are also expected to travel. In total, County expect to take a following of 15,000.

One of those travelling to the capital will be the town's mayor Pam King.

She said: "I'm sure that the whole borough will be cheering the team on to a famous victory. Win or lose, we are all very proud of Stockport County."

Mandy Leigh, editor of the Stockport Express, has also backed County to emerge victorious.

She said: "There's a lot of friendly rivalry between the two clubs.

"And of course while I'd like to wish Rochdale good luck, I really hope we beat them by three or four goals - I don't think my nerves could take a penalty shoot-out."

Sold out

Rochdale are also expected to be backed by more than 15,000.

The club have never appeared at Wembley and that figure is astonishing given their average gate is around 3,000.

The club shop sold out of replica shirts earlier this week and told suppliers - `Make us as many as you can'.

Robin Parker, Rochdale's mayor, is also confident of success.

He said: "It's a cup final - anything can happen on the day. It's been fantastic for the town and even non-football fans want us to win.

"Hopefully Rochdale will soon be back on the map. It will be a tremendous day."

Paul Harrison, editor of the Rochdale Observer, said the town was gripped by the contest.

He said: "It's been great. Everyone is talking about it - I'm going for a Dale win 2-0."

Play-off final fever has even infiltrated the House of Commons where Rochdale MP Paul Rowen and his Cheadle counterpart Mark Hunter have bet £20 on the outcome of the crunch match, with the proceeds going to charity.

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