HAVING been waiting for the best part of a century, the Haines family deserve a trip to Wembley with Highworth Town more than most this spring.

Rohan and Fraser Haines, brothers and Worthians alike, have been associated with the club since the 1970s in some guise, but their links run far deeper.

Dad Rodney was at the club from 1953 until he died in 2008, with granddad Herbie working as secretary for more than a decade until he died, in 1972.

Rohan, 49, the current chairman, first played for the junior side in 1975 before going on to captain the first team in 1986 and manage them in the 1990s.

The Lismore Road resident works full-time as a machinist with the Williams Formula One team, but only has eyes for one type of sporting success today.

“This will be the biggest game in our history and we go back to 1893,” he said.

“To win in Tunbridge Wells on penalties was amazing. I will never, ever forget that day.

“Sometimes you have to pinch yourself and ask if it’s happening.

“This is the biggest game our club will ever be in. Hopefully, if we win, the next game will be the biggest-ever.

“No-one can speak about it, but they believe in themselves. We are in the last eight and we have as much of a chance as anybody.

“The whole town seems to be bouncing. Everyone knows someone else and it all seems to be what they’re talking about.”

Rohan anticipates the Worthians’ normal gate of 150 will more than quadruple today, as Tadcaster Albion make their way south from North Yorkshire.

Many of the families which support the club’s 28 junior sides are also expected to turn out in force.

The run in the FA Vase has offered Town more than just a shot at Wembley – it has also raked in more than £10,000 for the club’s coffers so far, with more to come on the biggest gate of the season today.

Fraser, 46, of Windrush in the town, has been the club’s secretary for the past 30 years.

When asked what he was most looking forward to today, he said: “The atmosphere. We have had a great run and a great journey.

“The one thing that sticks out in my mind was the trip to Tunbridge Wells. We had taken a minibus there with all my children in it, as well as all the committee’s families, and the journey back after winning on penalties was unforgettable.

“I have been secretary for 30 years, but I will never forget that.

“It would mean the world to me [to reach Wembley]. It’s not just a dream for us, it’s for our families and the community as a whole.”