WEMBLEY WINNERS: Fans line streets to honour Kent heroes

FA CARLSBERG Trophy winners Ebbsfleet United will be showing off their silverware around the streets of Gravesend on Thursday evening in a civic parade on an open top bus and reception in their honour.

The parade begins at 6.30pm from Stonebridge Road, home of the Fleet, and will make its way through the town before arriving at the Civic Centre where the squad will display the trophy on the balcony of Civic Centre in Windmill Street.

The parade will be followed by a civic reception hosted by the mayor and the leader of the council. The council is helping to organise the parade and has laid on the bus and is making arrangements for the route.

Cllr Mike Snelling, leader of the council, said: "It was obvious that we had to do something suitable to give the people of Gravesham the chance to celebrate this wonderful success. We hope everybody will take the opportunity to join in."

The decision to hold the parade on Thursday, four days after the magnificent victory over Torquay United at Wembley, was taken due to the management team and the Fleet's first team squad all taking well earned holidays over the next fortnight and with the club eager to thank the thousands of fans that came out to support The Fleet it was agreed that Thursday evening would be the ideal time.

The club is encouraging fans to repeat the sea of red and white which covered the West half of Wembley on Saturday afternoon by bringing along flags, banners, wigs, and wearing the club colours.

Visit Ebbsfleet United’s website: www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk