WITH County struggling at the bottom of the Football League pyramid early this season, club officials were maybe being a tad ambitious by setting a target of getting 100,000 people in through the turnstiles before the campaign was over.

However, the County faithful have stayed loyal to their charges and the 100,000 barrier was breached during Saturdayés thrilling victory over Shrewsbury at fortress Edgeley Park.

A crowd of 5,831 (play-off chasing Shrewsbury brought 1,000) pushed the seasonés League tally to a whopping 100,185, and thereés still a surefire bumper gate to come for the final home game of the season against Carlisle!

The County fans have been a credit to the club this season, and since playing legend Jim Gannon returned to the club at the turn of the year and results have started to improve, every single one of them has excelled themselves.

Delighted County chief executive Kevan Taylor, speaking just before heading off for Torquay yesterday [Tues], said: éOur fans have been a highlight of our season.

éTheir passionate backing for the team has created a terrific atmosphere, particularly for recent matches at Edgeley Park.

éSupporters who enjoyed our victories over Wrexham and Shrewsbury Town will have left the stadium with memories of two exciting matches, superb County performances and a passionate atmosphere.

éThe famous Cheadle End experience is unique in League Two and the noise our fans generate is superb.

éNot only have the fans achieved the target of 100,000 at Edgeley Park, the team has been supported by more than 15,000 at our away matches.

éCounty fans have been appreciated on their travels and the club has received countless tributes from the opposition for the passion and numbers of our away support.

éAround 2,500 County fans travelled to Macclesfield on Boxing Day, and we had close on 2,000 following the team at each of our three other local derbies. Their backing was critical as we achieved victories at Chester, Rochdale and Bury.

éWe now aim to end the season with a full house when Carlisle United visit Edgeley Park on May 6.

éWe want as many fans as possible to come and enjoy themselves at the last match of the season.

éItés an all-ticket game for home and away fans though, and we would love to see three sides of the ground packed with County fans.

éAs a result we would encourage all our supporters to buy their tickets as soon as possible to help us make the decision on which club will be allocated the Railway End.é

County manager Gannon said: éThe players have responded to the efforts of the fans recently, they have been brilliant.

éA lot of the younger players are still learning their trade, but they have been inspired by the superb support.é

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