HOPES are high for Weymouth's footballers as the community backs them to win their big cup clash with Nottingham Forest.

The Terras secured a place in the FA Cup first round against the double European Champions on Saturday, November 5, after beating Cambridge United 2-1 in the last round.

Cup fever was gripping Weymouth as fans began to snap up tickets and make travel arrangements for the match at the City Ground in Nottingham.

Owner of the Fantastic Sausage Factory Dennis Spurr said: "I have started thinking about recipes for a special sausage to celebrate our progress in the FA Cup.

"I usually like to do something fun for big events like this and we certainly intend to do something for this match.

"This will be a great day and we should get behind the team."

Weymouth and Portland borough councillor Simon Bowkett said the time was right for some giant-killing.

"Forest are wobbling so there could be an upset.

"Whatever the result, it is a great tie for the club and if we do draw and get them back here I think we can win it."

Terras fans and officials have hailed the money-spinning tie as one of the biggest games in their history.

Nottingham Forest have fallen from grace since their glory days under managerial legend Brian Clough. The side lost 3-0 to Yeovil last weekend.

Weymouth and Portland mayor Les Ames said: "Neither side is doing that well and I think Weymouth will do well to go there and get a draw.

"The important thing for the club is the money it will generate, especially if Nottingham Forest have to come back to Weymouth to play."

South Dorset MP Jim Knight added: "This, combined with our excellent speedway team and the sailing events in the 2012 Olympics, are putting Weymouth on the sporting map.

"I was delighted to see the Terras great win on Saturday and the awful result for Nottingham Forest on the same day. "An extended cup run will mean a lot for this area."

Despite the match drawing nearer, shirts sales haven't taken off yet.

Sportsgear in Westham Road, Weymouth, said that sales are average but that may all change as the kick-off draws nearer.

Weymouth FC chief executive Gary Calder said: "We are hoping for a lot of support on the day and there has been a lot of people calling us asking about shirts.

"We will be getting another big order of shirts in this weekend."

Dennis Spurr predicts a 2-1 win for Weymouth. Simon Bowkett predicts a 1-1 draw followed by a narrow 1-0 win at home.

Les Ames predicts a battling 1-1 draw followed by a cash spinning return home leg. Jim Knight predicts a 1-1 draw followed by a 2-1 win at home.