Tickets for the FAI Cup final to go on sale at the Brandywell next week

Derry City spectator numbers are set to more than double as local sports lovers jump on the bandwagon for the FAI Cup Final next month.

The Candy Stripes will go head to head with St Patrick’s Athletic at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday, November 2.

Despite attracting around 1,500 spectators at the Brandywell DCFC’s fan numbers are expected to swell to up to 4,000 for the big match.

And with a spot in the Europa League to play for Derry City director Sean Barrett says it promises to be a dramatic game

Urgeing fans to get behind the team he said: “Tickets will be on sale from the Brandywell next week and will be priced very reasonably.

“The price definitely won’t be prohibitive - the FAI wants as many people as possible to make it to the game.”

Next month’s game will be the third time in nine years that the two teams have met in the FAI Cup Final.

St. Pat's, who haven’t won the cup since 1961, were defeated by Derry City in 2006 with Stephen Kenny’s men winning 4-3 after extra time.

Derry triumphed again two years ago, winning 3-2 under manager Declan Devine.

“There’s great excitement already,” said Mr Barrett.

“It’s going to be a great experience and anyone who wants to come along is welcome.

“There’ll be about 50 buses going down and then people who decide to make a weekend of it too.

“It’s a massive game in the national stadium.

“Matches like this don’t come around too often.

“It’s been a game changer for Derry City.

“We were having a poor season but this has changed everything round.”

Eager fans are already snapping up Dublin hotel rooms for the Halloween weekend.

“There are functions being organised already down there,” added Mr Barrett.

“There are going to Derry bands playing in the Ballsbridge Hotel.

“It’s going to be a trip to remember.”