Lucky Melton fans at Wembley for Foxes’ cup final glory

Melton friends Tom Harris, Tommy Henfrey, George and Tom Ingle, Ollie Hudson, Kyle Warrington, Alfie Farmer and Sam Bullimore pictured outside Wembley before they cheered Leicester City to FA Cup glory on Saturday EMN-210517-152918001

Most Foxes fans were, of course, only able to watch the thrilling 1-0 victory over Chelsea through the live television coverage.

But a select few managed to get tickets for the big match and sit among only 6,000 City fans permitted to attend as part of the easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

The tension was unbearable for Tom Harris, Tommy Henfrey, George and Tom Ingle, Ollie Hudson, Kyle Warrington, Alfie Farmer and Sam Bullimore as the Foxes tried desperately to hold on to the lead provided by Youri Tielemans’ spectacular 63rd minute goal.

Melton woman Wendy Harris pictured in her seat at Wembley Stadium for Saturday's FA Cup final EMN-210517-152928001

Tom Harris (23), who plays for Melton Town FC, told the Melton Times: “The atmosphere in the stadium was unreal.

“When the final whistle went we just went crazy.

“It was an amazing day and winning the cup was right up there with when we won the Premier League.”

The pals got their tickets for the final through being season ticket-holders at the King Power Stadium.

Melton woman Wendy Harris's view from her seat at Wembley Stadium for Saturday's FA Cup final EMN-210517-152938001

They had endure the ordeal of having a Covid test two days before the game and then waiting for the result to see if they were free to attend.

“Waiting for that test result was tough,” said Tom, who has been attending City matches for 10 years.

“We went down on the train from Grantham at 9.40 on Saturday and came back at 10pm.

“It was an amazing day all round.”

Melton woman Sue Lomas at Wembley with friend Helga cheering on Leicester City at Saturday's cup final EMN-210517-153948001

Melton friends Brian Wildman (73) and 61-year-old Mark Pickering were there when City last made the FA Cup, 52 years ago.

So they were ecstatic to be there on Saturday to see their heroes lift the trophy for the first time in their history.

Brian, who was also at Wembley when the Foxes played in the final in 1963, told the Melton Times: “We were behind the goal where Leicester scored and everybody just erupted.

“People started hugging each other and social distancing went out of the window in that moment.

Customers at Asfordby Hill-based Brocklebys Pies got into the cup final spirit by snapping up special Moo and Blue pies prior to Saturday's match - pictured are Connor (left) and Tyler picking up their pies EMN-210517-153938001

“We were up in the air again when Chelsea’s late goal was disallowed and that last 10 minutes was very tense.”

Mark’s dad used to accompany them to Leicester matches but he sadly passed away last year.

Brian said: “Back in 1969 his dad said ‘don’t worry, we’ll be back for another final’, but none of us thought it would take 52 years.

“I’ve been going to City matches for 60 years and been a season ticke holder for 30 so Saturday was a very special day.”

Other lucky Melton people who had tickets for the cup final were Leicester City supporters Sue Lomas, and her friend Helga, plus Wendy Harris.

Asfordby Hill piemakers, Brockleby’s, came up with a special edition Moo and Blue Pies to commemorate the Foxes’ achievement in making the final.

They went down a treat with customers in the run-up to the Wembley showdown.