SOUTHEND United’s eager season card holders rushed to Roots Hall yesterday to snap up 2,000 of their allocated 5,886 tickets for next month’s FA Cup clash at Chelsea.

Queues formed across the car park, with Keith Overall, 48, of Shoebury, the first in line. He arrived at the ground at 4am after finishing a shift at work and slept in his van before starting the queue at 7am.

Season cardholders have until 1.30pm on Saturday, December 13, to get their ticket for the match at Stamford Bridge.

Team Blues members and shareholders are able to purchase tickets from Monday, December 15, until Wednesday, December 17.

Any remaining tickets will go on general sale on Thursday, December 18.