Wealdstone played host to 700 Manchester City fans ahead of Sunday’s Capital One Cup Final at Wembley.

The Stones provided parking for a fleet of supporters’ coaches and cars from the north west and then entertained the fans with food and drink before they made their way by tube to Wembley for the final against Liverpool.

It was the fifth time City fans have warmed up for a Wembley final at The Vale and it proved a lucky watering hole for them this time as they beat Liverpool on penalties to lift the first domestic trophy of the season.

Stones’ press officer Nick DuGard said: “It works well for both parties. They love coming down here, we provide them with a safe environment away from the hurly burly of Wembley and the benefit to us is over the bar and the barbecue. It is certainly worthwhile.”

Meanwhile, the club has received another boost to its coffers with the Supporters Club receiving £10,000 in pledges in the first four days of its 100:400 scheme.

The idea is to see supporters raise £40,000 by the end of April to bolster next term’s playing budget.

DuGard said: “It is quite humbling to see how much our supporters keep helping the club by putting their hands in their pockets. To raise £9,000 or £10,000 in three or four days is quite phenomenal.”