Since 2002, clubs owned by their supporters' trust have been invited to play in the annual Supporters Direct Cup. This time round on 24^th July is no different, except this year will be the first time the new SD Shield will be competed for, allowing two more clubs to take part in the fun but traditionally highly competitive day.

Both matches will be played at AFC Telford United's impressive New Bucks Head ground, with Telford playing one-time winners FC United of Manchester for The Supporters Direct Cup, whilst the new SD Shield will see recently reborn Merthyr Town go head-to-head against Scarborough Athletic.

As with last year's SD Cup match, there's a twist in the tail: Supporters coming through the gates will have the chance to buy a lottery ticket that will have a unique prize; the chance to win the trophy for their club in a fans' penalty shoot-out if the match is drawn.

Supporters Direct's Kevin Rye said, "The SD Cup is always a special day. You see real camaraderie between the different clubs and their fans, and this year that counts double. For us as an organisation representing the wider trust movement, we're immensely proud of all the fans of these clubs and what they've achieved. I'm really excited to be welcoming all of them to the competition, especially Merthyr Town who despite being in exile, like Scarborough Athletic have refused to go quietly and are proudly continuing the tradition of football for their Town."

Fans from all clubs are welcome on the day. Further ticket details are below.

Venue Details

Date: Saturday 24 July

Venue: AFC Telford United, Watling Street, Wellington, Telford, Shropshire TF1 2TU

Kick of Times

13:30 - AFC Telford v FC United (for the Supporters Direct Cup)

16:30 - Merthyr Town v Scarborough (for the new Supporters Direct Shield)

Entrance Prices

£8 adults

£5 concessions & unaccompanied under 16's

£1 for under 16's accompanied by an adult

- Tickets will be sold on the gate on the day

- No readmission permitted

Fans penalty shoot-out

If the scores are level at full-in either or both fixtures, a penalty shoot-out will decide the match. The penalty takers will be decided by a raffle (tickets sold on the gate) which will be drawn at half time of the first match. Five fans' from each club will be drawn to take a penalty, which will operate in the normal way.

More details can be found on the Supporters Direct website at www.supporters-direct.org or on the websites of all four clubs.

Photo: Action Images

Kiwifiedpom added 11:01 - Jun 30 I think the way forward is for supportes to have a greater share in their clubs
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eusebio added 12:15 - Jun 30 Good grief no.....have you read the rubbish spouted on here and at matches....fans have one job, and at time they do that poorly, and that is to support their team...end of
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SaintNick added 22:31 - Jun 30 I think Germany have the happy balance were the community owns just over 50 % so the club can never be taken over as clubs have been here and hijacked, but the fans dont run the club. God knows the current system we have is now being totally abused so change has to happen otherwise football will implode and we will end up watching half a dozen clubs from each country compet on sky tv

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