Fans head off to the big match

Richard Cornwell

HOPE sprung eternal today as thousands of Super Blues fans headed for Stamford Bridge to meet the mighty Chelsea.

Ipswich Town supporters firmly believed their team could topple the Premiership giants - and cause a major FA Cup upset.

Twenty-four coaches left Portman Road this morning to take the Tractor Boys' fans to London for the big match.

They left at 11am and expected to be at the ground by just after 1pm, well in time for kick-off.

Fans were in good voice as they left, chanting and cheering, and full of optimism, expecting the right result - most feeling it would be 2-1 to Town - or at least a draw to bring Chelsea back to Ipswich for a replay.

Long-time supporter Helen Bergdahl said: “I think it will be 2-1 to us but whatever happens it's going to be a great day out and a lot of fun.

“I went to Stamford Bridge once before when we were in the Premiership and it is a wonderful experience.

“With so many of us going down it is going to be a brilliant atmosphere.”

Tom Stone, 17, said: “I think we will win with a last-minute goal!”

His dad Dave Stone added: “It's going to be 2-1 to us - I think we are going to see a big cup upset.”

Sam Bennett said: “It's the first time I have been to Stamford Bridge. I think it will be 1-1 and we will get them back to Portman Road and beat them here - we get to see Chelsea twice that way, too!

“There's a great spirit and it's going to be an exciting day.”

Mike Shout said: “I am saying it quietly, but I think it could be 3-1 . . . to Chelsea, but you never know!”

Paul Warnes added: “I hope we will at least get a draw and come back here and then win 2-1.

“It would be really nice to have a great cup run again.”

In total, 6000 fans are making the trip and all the club's allocation was sold out within hours of the tickets going on sale.