SATURDAY is expected to be a day of celebration as Chippenham Town seek the vital points that will give them their biggest day in their recent history.

Hundreds of people are expected to join in the party atmosphere at Hardenhuish Park as the club sit on the verge of clinching the Southern League Premier Division title and promotion to the National League South – the club’s highest ever position and just two tiers beneath the Football League.

The game will be the biggest since it reached Wembley in the FA Vase Final more than 18 years ago.

“I certainly hope we have a sell-out, we would love as many people to come and support the club because it will just be a fantastic day and we want as many families there as we can,” said chairman Neil Blackmore.

“I said when I joined the board that the town of Chippenham was big enough to host a National League side and I still think that’s the case. I think it will be massive to the town, it will bring more people into the town and all the businesses. I hope that the people and businesses will take that on board and support us.”

The Bluebirds sit eight points clear at the top of table with three games of the season remaining after going on a 23-game unbeaten run.

A win against St Neots Town would guarantee promotion – but if second-place Leamington don’t win on Good Friday, Chippenham will be champions anyway.

Manager Mark Collier said: “We’re trying to keep things as normal as possible but we do have a feeling of invincibility. There’s a buzz around the place and around the town, we’ve been taking a bigger following to away games and it’s all a bit different than what we’re used to.

“It’s almost like preparing for a big cup final but we need to keep our feet on the ground and we’re keen to get the job done.”

The club, which was founded in 1873, has never been as high as the National League South but reached the final of the Vase in 1999/2000 where they lost 1-0 to Deal Town at Wembley.

Malcolm Lyus, chairman at the time, believes Saturday’s game will bring back memories from that memorable day at Wembley and the homecoming in front of thousands at the Town hall the day after.

He said: “Of course it brings back memories but unless you go through it you don’t know what the experience will be like. I would love to think they can do it, I’ve been back a couple of times and I’ve been very impressed by the board because they’re doing a fantastic job.”

Chippenham Mayor Terry Gibson believes the success of the club is having a positive impact on the town and believes the team will secure promotion this weekend.

“There’s a feel good factor in the town and success breeds success,” he said.

“Chippenham is on the up and the football club is representing the town, if people see Chippenham Town Football Club doing well they think ‘where is that?’.

“I think they will do it on Saturday, when you’re on a run you’re on a run and luck goes with you.”

Attendance at the games has picked up in recent weeks with gates of 725 and 600 in their last two home games and the average season attendance of 400 is slightly up on last year.

Preparations have been taking place at the ground this week, from mowing the grass to sweeping the stands.

Barbara Godwin, who along with her husband Tony prepare the kit for the players, said: “We get such a buzz out of it and there are big vibes going around and I just hope we can get the support.

“We’re very superstitious and we’ve not been doing anything different.

“At the moment every match has been like a cup final and we’re trying to do it as another match even though it’s going to be the pinnacle. This is bigger than going to Wembley.”

While promotion would mean greater coverage and the chance to play against a higher level of opposition, more money would need to be spent to ensure survive in the new division. But Mr Blackmore insists those conversations and the exact figure will only be discussed once promotion is secure.

“We’re waiting to talk to businesses if and when we get promoted,” added Mr Blackmore.

“I don’t know that figure yet, I need to sit down with the manager and we said we wouldn’t do that until we know for definite what league we will be playing in next season.”