A LOCAL football team is gearing up to make history for their town.

Connah's Quay Nomads has become the first team from Wales to reach the final of the Irn Bru Cup and fans are preparing themselves to make the 400mile journey to Inverness.

The final against Ross County will be held in Inverness on March 23 which will see some fans from Connah's Quay travelling 800 miles there and back.

Tom Houghton, club secretary, said at least 100 from the town are expected to make the journey.

He told the Leader: "We are all looking forward to it, it's great and good for the profile of the town because a lot of people in Scotland haven't heard of us before. It puts us on the map.

"A lot of people probably underestimated the quality of how we play but here we are."

Fan Eddie Loughnane has organised a meeting place for fans at Inverness Caledonian Thistle Social Club from 1pm.

He said: "I wanted all the fans to be able to get together before the game. We are a small club and it's a far way to travel.

"It’s a great achievement to reach the Irn Bru Cup final. I'll be there to support the boys on Saturday and win or lose, I couldn’t be more proud

"I travelled up to Falkirk in September for the first game of this seasons competition. I expected to lose that day and we won 1-0. Never at that point did I even think we could get to the final. It’s quite surreal."

Jack Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, will be travelling with friends who have followed the team through the tournament.

He said: "On behalf of the residents of Alyn and Deeside and the National Assembly for Wales, I wish Connah’s Quay Nomads FC the very best of luck for their Irn Bru Cup Final vs Ross County. The community is extremely proud of you.

"The performance and community engagement from everyone at Connah’s Quay Nomads FC is a credit to the club. The team and staff are putting Connah’s Quay on the map and doing a fantastic job of promoting Welsh football to the rest Europe."

A coach has been organised by the club and more information can be found online at https://www.the-nomads.co.uk/news/new-article.php?id=918.

Messages of good luck have been pouring in ahead of the game as the excitement bubbles up.

Cllr Nathan Jones, who will be travelling to Inverness, said: "It’s a real achievement for the nomads to reach the final of the Irn Bru Cup this weekend. I’ll be making the long journey to give my support and hopefully we can bring the cup back to Connah’s Quay. Best of luck to everyone at CQ Nomads."

Connah's Quay town council added: "We would like to wish Connah’s Quay Nomads the best luck for their long trip to Scotland- they have put Connah’s Quay and Wales on the map and fully deserve to enjoy their day. It's a shame the match is so far away for the local supporters to get to, but we are sure that everyone will be cheering them on and hoping for another big win."

Louise Catton commented: "Good luck Daddy & all at the Nomads. Despite the long distance we will be there cheering you on. Love Isabella & Henri."

Ross Turtz Turtle said: "Love our little town, and what we have achieved. ‘Nomads We Love You’ best of luck to all members of the club, travelling fans and associates. We can do this."

Adam Brown added: "Andy Morrison what a manager and what a journey he's taken us on with our Europa league games, Welsh cup final win and now the Irn Bru Cup final. Forza Nomads."

The Leader has received dozens of messages of good luck and support for the team by fans across Connah's Quay and even some from Merseyside and Chester.

However, the long distance hasn't put some fans off. Colin Bainbridge and his son Robert will be leaving Connah's Quay at 3am to catch the 6.30am flight from Birmingham.

The match will kick off at 4.30pm at the Caledonian Stadium.