NEWPORT County AFC look set to take another army of fans to Wembley next weekend, with club officials already saying they expect to at least match the numbers who travelled last year.

The Amber Army headed to London en masse for last year’s FA Trophy final, the club’s first ever trip to the home of English football, but given what’s at stake this year club officials are hoping to top the 13,500 mark set for that day.

The price of tickets for next Sunday’s promotion decider with Welsh rivals Wrexham, with some seats costing up to £41, has caused the County hierarchy to be more cautious in their estimates of the number of fans expected to travel.

But club officials are quietly hopeful that as many as 15,500 Exiles supporters will head to the game, which could see Newport finally regain its league football status.

Following Sunday’s triumph over Grimsby interest has rocketed, not just for tickets for the final, but also in County merchandise.

From the minute Sunday’s pitch invasion died down after County’s 2-0 aggregate win over the Mariners, supporters have flocked to the Rodney Parade club shop to stock up on all things black and amber.

While replica kits have obviously been the choice for many, the club has also launched a special Wembley range ahead of the final.

Commemorative scarves will be in the store later in the week, but already fans can snap up play-off flags and also the T-shirts the team were seen celebrating in on Sunday.

The amber/yellow T-shirts are emblazoned with the slogan ‘Keep calm and we’re on our way to Wembley’, as sported on the front page by Miss Newport 2013 Sarah Abdullah.

Miss Abdullah, 22, from Bettws, said the win was great news for the city.

“I’ve been to a couple of the games this season and really enjoyed it so it was great to see them win.

“I really hope they go and do it on Sunday now,” said Miss Abdullah, who will be at Wembley for the game.

Club shop manager Mick White said: “It’s been absolutely manic down here, but that’s just how we want it. Rodney Parade’s been rocking.

“Since the game finished yesterday we’ve sold 50 of the T-shirts already (at £10 a shirt) in less than 24 hours.

“We’ve completely sold out of replica kits but we are hoping to have the special edition white one in (which County wore at Luton earlier in the season) later in the week.

“We’ve also got Wembley mugs at £5.95, polo shirts at £22.99 and play-off final flags for £11.”

Asked if he would be heading to Wembley, Mr White said: “Oh God yes. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

● The Newport County Supporters Trust is now taking bookings for coach travel to Wembley.

Bookings can be made at Bar Amber, in Spytty, Monday-Thursday, 10am- 8pm.

The bus will leave Spytty at 8am on Sunday and costs £16.

No membership is required.