Pompey Cup Fever

Thousands of Portsmouth fans - from the city and around the world - made the pilgrimage to Wembley to support the team in their first FA Cup Final since 1939.

Pompey fans at Wembley

They joined an estimated global audience of around 500 million  - including up to 60,000 on Southsea common to watch one of the most famous events in sport.

Coaches left the South Coast from early morning, packed with fans eager to see their team in a Cup Final for the first time since 1939.  Others arrived in flag-decked cars and even by helicopter.

The wet weather didn't dampen the spirits as the turnstiles opened at 1pm and the new Wembley Stadium was soon echoing to the traditional chants of 'Play up Pompey' from the Portsmouth fans.

Pompey flag flies at Portchester Castle

Premiership Pompey were undoubtedly the favourites against Championship side Cardiff City; but Pompey fans were acutely aware that this season's FA Cup has provided plenty of giant-killing shock results.

Cup fever had well and truly hit the city over the past few weeks.  In a break with tradition, English Heritage agreed to fly a Pompey flag over Portchester Castle in Fareham - as a fundraising exercise for the Tom Prince Cancer Trust.

The Anglican Bishop of Portsmouth sent a message of congratulations to the Pompey team for reaching the FA Cup final; The Rt Rev Kenneth Stevenson also promised to wear blue in the pulpit on Sunday morning if Pompey beat Cardiff.

'Special day'

Speaking from the team's hotel in London on Friday, Pompey Manager Harry Redknapp told BBC Radio Solent:

Fans at Southsea celebrate Kanu's goal

"Let's hope everyone who comes up, all the fans have a great day and enjoy it - it's a special day and one they'll always remember."

For fans not travelling to Wembley, pubs and clubs around the city showed the game. 

Portsmouth City Council and Portsmouth Football Club teamed up to provide a big screen on Southsea Common. The 40m screen was positioned on Southsea Common; 60,000 people were estimated to have watched the game there.

Email your pictures

Send us your pictures of your FA Cup weekend - email hampshire@bbc.co.uk