IT'S time to don your ruby red and get behind the Robins.

Cheltenham Town's first team squad were in high spirits as they departed for London ahead of today's FA Cup clash with Tottenham Hotspur.

Thousands of Robins fans are set to converge upon White Hart Lane for the third round tie, which kicks off at 3pm.

Supporters across the town will be holding their breath as they hope their team can pull off a shock result.

Club chairman, Paul Baker, led the rallying cry, calling on the whole of Cheltenham to get behind the team in its bid for a historic giant-killing.

"It should be a fantastic occasion," he said.

"It will be one of those days for fans to look back on and say, 'I was there'.

"Our players will be walking out at a stadium graced by some of the greatest players in the English game. You can't ask for more than that.

"It's wonderful so many fans are making the effort to travel down to London. I'm sure it will make a difference."

And he said there was no reason why the Robins could not topple their illustrious Premier League rivals.

"You've always got to believe there's a chance," he added. "I keep telling everyone it's 11 against 11.

"There is no pressure on our guys to get a result. I just hope they go out there and enjoy it. If we can get the win, or even a rematch, then of course that would be brilliant."

The players, led by team captain Alan Bennett, travelled down to the capital by coach yesterday and took part in a light session at Arsenal's London Colney training ground.

Team spokesman James Brown was with them as they made their final preparations.

"Everyone at the club is looking forward to it," he said.

"For many of our players it is the biggest match of their lives and they are determined to go out there and put on a good performance.

"Whatever happens we want to do the fans proud. We've got lots of supporters travelling down by bus and hopefully we can create a bit of Whaddon Road at White Hart Lane.

"Whatever the result at 5pm we will have put on a performance the fans can be proud of."

Fifty-two coaches will transport fans to the stadium this morning, departing from Cheltenham racecourse at 9.30am.

Hundreds of others will make their way down the M40 by car or catch the train to London Paddington.

The club was allocated 5,000 tickets in total – all of which were snapped up within hours of going on sale.

For one young fan it promises to be a day to remember.

Lewis Fowler, from Stoke Orchard, won a competition with the Junior Robins to walk out in front of the players as team mascot.

The 11-year-old, a pupil at Cleeve School, said: "It should be great.

"Most of all, I'm excited about meeting the players and watching the match. We are going to be sitting in row five, so it should be a good view.

"I'm a bit worried about walking out at such a big stadium, but my dad will be there, too. It will be close, but I think Cheltenham will win 2-1."

Lewis' dad Mark, 51, a long-standing Robins fan, added: "We are thrilled about him being chosen.

"We were going anyway, but now it is going to be extra special. Now all we need is the right result. A win or a draw will do us just fine."