Non-League side AFC Totton drew a big crowd to their cup win against Folland Sports after offering free tickets to Preston fans who traveled to Hampshire for the postponed Championship game.
Seven-tier Totton has offered an alternative to Lilywhites supporters who want to avoid wasting a 490-mile round trip.
Around 60 Preston fans arrived at the Snows Stadium to cheer on the Stags.
Totton chief executive Steve Brookwell said: “We have looked at all social media channels and have contacted the football club directly on behalf of all our traveling fans.”
“We asked our supporters to come to Snows Stadium. It was an opportunity to understand what football is all about: the community spirit between fans of all clubs.”
Totton won the Southampton Senior Cup 3-1 and reached the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, Preston told fans who visited Hampshire. Donate £15 towards travel expenses We apologize for the inconvenience caused by the postponement.
Historical ties between the two sides
Before the game, the non-league side wisely shared their links with the Championship side – their manager Jimmy Ball is the grandson of former Preston manager Alan Ball Snr.
“Our post went viral,” Brookwell added.
“The response was huge and around 350 supporters turned out that night, around 60 of whom were Preston North End fans.”
Mr Brookwell opened the turnstiles and allowed free entry to supporters of both teams who had valid tickets for the postponed match.
Preston We shared our gratitude to Totton. Posts on social media wished them well and thanked them for their hospitality in the south.
The excitement is not over yet for the Stags, who are hopeful that a friendly against Preston could be scheduled before next season.
“We've been doing a lot of activity on social media,” Brookwell said.
“I look forward to answering the call with Preston and hope to go to Deepdale that night at the invitation from the fans.
“Jimmy Ball knows Coach Preston personally, so I hope that can be resolved.”
