Pompey v Derby: 75 years after the club's record attendance two brothers are back for the crucial clash

Colin and Alan Snook, two brothers from Portsmouth, were members of the record breaking crowd of 51,385 that attended the FA Cup 5th Round contest at Fratton Park between Portsmouth and Derby County. The blues won the contest by two goals to one on February 26, 1949, and the brothers will be attending the top of the table clash between the two sides on Tuesday, April 2.

It will be an emotional evening for the brothers, with Colin's sons Stewart and Martin attending alongside them. Colin was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in the past year and his 88th birthday is approaching in mid April. While Colin battles the disease there is one memory that always pops up when talking about his beloved Pompey.

Stewart said: "One memory that pops up in our Pompey conversation, is when Dad, Alan, their father Bill and five uncles attended the clubs record attendance against Derby in the FA Cup in 1949. 75 years ago, aged only thirteen, amazing. It makes him ever so proud looking back on that historic day."

With the the serendipitous timing of the contest, the club have provided four tickets to allow Colin and his family to enjoy the game against Derby. Colin is not able to get down to many games anymore having been settled in the West Midlands for a number of years, but his love of Portsmouth has never faltered, with the two sets of brothers all lifelong Pompey fans.

Colin and Alan's dedication to the club was demonstrated from a young age. Stewart said: "When they were very young they used to travel from Bognor Regis with their dad, because they were evacuated from the war. They would get the train and meet their five uncles here, so there was eight of them that would come every other Saturday."

The two brothers remember the day well, particularly the packed crowd. Alan said: "It was an awful trial to get out down the stairs, we were off our feet carried by the crowd to get out."

The chance to return to the stadium and experience the Derby tie together will be a special moment for the family. Martin said: "The club sorted out four tickets in a row for us which is difficult to get these days. We are over the moon and ever so grateful to Portsmouth for that. It's a great event for our family and it will be proud day to be here with my dad, uncle and brother."

The Snook family are hoping for the same result 75 years on.