Their dreams of cup glory have been dashed for another year, but a group of devoted travelling fans will keep making themselves heard.

Braintree Town were knocked out of this season’s FA Cup after losing a replay match 1-0 away to Newport County last Tuesday.

The defeat was a disappointing blow to everyone associated with the club, particularly the 13 committed followers who made the 400-mile round trip to south Wales.

Tom Lacey, 25, of Peartree Close, Braintree, witnessed a solitary goal on the stroke of half-time settle last week’s match along with a dozen fellow Iron fans.

He said: “Usually I go to about half of the away games each season.

“It is quite a social thing, although whether people can make it depends on their work commitments.

“I think 13 was quite a lot of people for a Tuesday night in south Wales - we were pleased to get double figures.”