A row has broken out between Bury FC and Wythenshawe Town over the ticket allocation for the clubs' crucial showdown this weekend.

The sides meet in the play-off final of the North West Counties Football League Premier Division on Saturday at 3pm, with the winners achieving promotion.

The game will take place at Wythenshawe Town's ground, Ericstan Park. The clash is being held there due to the hosts' higher league position standing of second - compared to Bury's third spot - giving them priority.

But on Wednesday night, Bury released a statement on social media expressing the club's "disappointment", claiming their opponents "failed to engage" over the allocation of tickets for the big match.

The Shakers said it had been told away tickets at the ground - which will have a 1,400 capacity - would be reduced to around 200, 500 less than the 700 Bury had suggested.

A Bury FC spokesperson said: "After an initial outline suggestion making around 700 tickets available for this weekend's game, and plans being put in place throughout today (Wednesday) to organise allocations for our supporters, we have been informed this evening that away tickets will be restricted to approx 200.

"We are extremely disappointed that Wythenshawe Town have failed to engage with us in this process, alongside failing to update the police with their decisions.

"We are also deeply disappointed on behalf of all our supporters.

"The club will now consider the options and further comms will follow from tomorrow (Thursday) including details of big screen plans at Gigg Lane."

Bury fans also vented their frustrations on X with some suggesting supporters may climb into the stadium from the neighbouring Tesco Extra site.

In response, Wythenshawe Town chairman Chris Eaton has accused Bury of releasing false statements and "trying to bully the club into switching venues".

In a statement this morning, Thursday, he said: "Wythenshawe Town FC are deeply saddened by incorrect statements being put on social media by Bury and the lack of condemnation of their supporters threatening all sorts of behaviour that isn't welcome within the football community.

"To confirm, Bury have been advised there will be an initial allocation of 200 tickets.

"To also confirm, we have been in regular contact with the authorities and local council contrary to comments made by Bury, who are trying to bully the club into switching venues.

"As the answer has been 'no' this has not incited a needless situation via social media from issuing incorrect statements.

"We look forward to welcoming those with tickets to the game on Saturday and make it a memorable occasion."

However, this afternoon, Bury has released a statement addressed to its fans, telling them that "supporters who do not have a ticket should not be travelling to the game under any circumstances".

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Fans wanting ticket are being invited to sign up to a ballot on the club's website before 6pm today, Thursday, ahead of the draw.

The ballot will give preference to society members and season ticket holders.

A club spokesperson added: "We appreciate that a lot of supporters will be left without a ticket, for various reasons across this process.

"However, considering both the capacity and ticketing limitations, alongside accomodating our large fanbase, this was the best solution we could find considering the timescales."

A live stream of the match will also be shown by the club. For more details visit the club's website.

Tesco has been approached for comment about the situation.