PORT Vale are set to welcome their biggest crowd of the season when they take on Swindon Town in the second leg of their play-off semi-final on Thursday night.

Over 12,500 fans are expected to descend on Vale Park in the biggest game for both teams for a very long time.

The away end will be bouncing with Town selling out their allocation of 2,289 tickets.

Speaking to Stoke-on-Trent Live, Port Vale chief executive Colin Garlick said: “We are over 11,000 so we know we are going to have the biggest crowd of the season.

“The next milestone, for home support, is 10,000 and we are already at a fantastic figure.

“It is all to play for and this really is our 12th man. We will be outnumbering Swindon and we have to make sure we out-sing them because this is so important now.”

Vale trail 2-1 on aggregate following the first leg at the County Ground.

James Wilson’s 83rd-minute strike got them back into the tie after two goals from former Vale forward Harry McKirdy had put Swindon in charge.

Garlick added: “I know Darrell and Crosser (assistant, Andy Crosby) will be saying our 12th man can play such a key part in this.

“The important thing is always stay in the tie. If there is a mistake then it’s important that our fans get behind the players and lift them. It is so key and it can make the difference.”

Port Vale supporters club chairman Mark Porter has urged the fans to play their part in the match tomorrow.

Speaking to Stoke-on-Trent live, Porter said: “It is only half time. We are 2-1 down and there still all to play for. It is a massive game and we have to go in there believing we can do it.

“The players have to get their heads down and, no matter what happens, the fans have to really play their part, really get behind them and push them over the line.

“Make as much noise as you can and create that absolutely electric atmosphere. Then, who knows?”