WANDERERS say last Saturday’s low FA Cup crowd won’t discourage them from pushing ahead with their plans for a bigger community stadium at Booker.

Just 1,960 Wanderers fans attended their second round clash at home to Chelmsford City and the club needed a contingent of 1,245 from their non-league visitors to swell the attendance to 3,205.

But the club insist that the low number hasn’t bred any nervousness when it comes to their controversial new stadium plans.

A club spokesman said: “The attendance was normal for an FA Cup second round tie and cannot be compared to gates for league games or attendances that might be generated in the future, especially if we gain promotion to Championship level.

“It was the second home game in the space of five days, against non-league opposition on a bitterly cold day and was not included in the package for season ticket holders.”

Council officials are currently assimilating the results of a public consultation on the new stadium issue, with the results expected in January.

The spokesman added: “We have stated the case for a new stadium quite clearly and we are asking fans to retain an open mind while this is explored further.

“The limitations at Adams Park are clear for all to see and directly limit our ability to generate income and provide an improved spectator experience.

“The need for a new stadium is about planning for a brighter future, to support our Championship aspirations and to allow the club to be on a secure financial footing.

“It would also provide superb facilities for our fans with much-improved catering, toilets, bars, parking, access and an all-round better environment to enjoy watching their team play.”

Wycombe weren’t the only club to be hit by FA Cup deserters last weekend.

Higher league Colchester United attracted fewer fans than Wycombe did for their tie with Swindon Supermarine, while the Chairboys’ third round opponents, Hereford United or Lincoln City, pulled in fewer than 2,000 for their meeting at Edgar Street.

Wanderers’ attendance on Saturday was however better than in their two previous Adams Park cup clashes this season, when less than 2,000 saw their Carling Cup defeats to Championship outfit Millwall or their Johnstone’s Paint Trophy exit at the hands of League One Bristol Rovers.