As one of the biggest sporting events in Merstham's history nears, more than a thousand football fans are expected this weekend when Merstham Football Club welcome AFC Wimbledon.

Around 1,500 fans are expected for the Combined Counties Football League Premier Division clash, a figure which will smash the home side's current record attendance and club secretary Richard Baxter hopes Saturday's match could have a longer lasting impact on the community and raise the club's profile among local residents.

He said: "There's been a lot of local interest in the game.

"I think people are missing out because they are used to watching Premiership games on the TV and don't realise there's some good football being played on their doorstep."

Praising the club's youth set up, he said: "If you look around Merstham, there's not a lot to do and we encourage people to become a part of their football club.

"It's great for youngsters and keeps them off the streets and you get to make friends you'll keep for years and years."

Newly-formed AFC Wimbledon were founded amid much publicity at the start of the season as a response to Wimbledon FC's proposed move to Milton Keynes and have attracted large crowds to every game they have played so far.

Mr Baxter said: "I think they are a club people have a lot of good will for and they are winning at the moment but we hope to put a stop to that."

Pre-match entertainment on the day includes the club's under-nine boys and girls taking on their Wimbledon counterparts.

The match kicks off at 3pm, with tickets costing £5 (£3 for OAPs and under-16s).

A bumper matchday program will also be on sale, costing £2.