MANY tears of joy, and equally of frustration, have been shed at St George’s Lane over the past 100 years.

However, none so potent as those from some of the 4,072 fans who made their last pilgrimage to the stadium that, for most, had been their second home since their childhood.

Thousands of hard fought battles have been won and lost on the green, green grass of Worcester City’s home.

Over the last century, it has been the place where dreams were realised, generations inspired, hopes dashed and hearts broken.

And now the final chapter in the 108-year history of the Lane has been written.

Feelings among the fans, much like the weather, were mixed ahead of Saturday’s game against Blue Square Bet North league champions Chester.

Grandparents regaled youngsters with their favourite stories of their time at the Lane, friends who had spent decades together cheering on their side from the terraces greeted each other with firm handshakes and broad smiles, and ground staff joked with the familiar faces that passed through the turnstiles.

Many decided to mark the momentous occasion by having their picture taken in front of the iconic royal blue gates that border the entrance to the ground, while others paid their last visit to the club shop to pick up souvenir memorabilia - all with a match day programme in hand.

However, it was inevitable that the feeling of doubt over what the future may hold for City cast a shadow over the day.

Hindlip resident Stuart Batrick had watched City play at St George’s Lane for more than 50 years.

He said: "I saw City play Liverpool here. They're my home club. There's a real family atmosphere here and over the years they've had great success in the FA Cup.

"I'm hoping someone might take the club on. It's a shame for the young kids to be without a club in city for a while, but we'll give it a good send off."

Friends Brian Chadd, aged 71, and Nicky Bottomer, 56, both of St John’s, spent eight years in the dugouts of the Lane as volunteers for St John Ambulance.

Mr Chadd said: “I first came when I was 12 so that would have been in the 1950s. The most memorable times here for me will mainly be the time we both spent in the dugout.

“I think it’s sad this is City’s last game here because to me the club should be in the city. We’ve been reminiscing all the way up to the ground. I hope they find somewhere a bit more convenient than Nunnery and I wish them every success.”

Mrs Bottomer added: “It’s a bit like a funeral. It’s sad. We’ve seen all the old faces here today.”

Young Hannah Plumpton has followed City for the last three years and was at the game with her dad Rob - a regular at the Lane since 1977.

The 12-year-old of Warndon Villages said her late grandfather was a familiar face on the terraces.

Although she was saddened by the prospect of no longer cheering on City at the Lane, she said she was determined to continue supporting them at their temporary home in Kidderminster.

Thoughts quickly turned to the game as tension built in the terraces ahead of kick-off.

A minute silence - sadly marred by a minority of disruptive attendees - was observed for fans that had passed on and added to the sense of occasion.

And as the referee blew his whistle, the crowd was determined to give the ground a roaring send-off, remaining vocal throughout the final 90 minutes at the Lane.

There was no pitch invasion at full-time. Instead, fans remained in the stands to applaud the players as they walked a celebratory last lap.

Life-time City fan, Geoff Hill - who celebrated his 81st birthday on Saturday - had watched his home team play on the hallowed turf since 1948.

He said: "It's sad. It's my birthday so it's a happy day, but it's also sad. This is my second home during the football season.

"I've seen so many big games here, but we shall be like a phoenix rising from the ashes. The memory I shall treasure most is the 1958-59 season when we reached the fourth round of the FA Cup. There were 17,000 people in the ground then.

"In the old days, we used to get regular gates of five to eight thousand. I have a lot of fond memories. A lot of good players played here. There were some brilliant games. We shall miss it."

And as if reflecting the mood of the day, bright sunshine and rain cascaded onto the ground as the last fans left St George’s Lane for the final time.

Discarded cups and food wrappers were the only things that occupied the wooden benches now.

Then, where once the collective roar of thousands of voices had raised the roof of St George’s Lane over the past 108 years, there was silence.

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