A DAD is hoping the magic of the FA Cup will grant his sons’ wish of finishing their stadium-hopping journey at Wembley.

Dan Humphries, 37, and his sons Liam, eight, and George, six, have attended matches in every round of the knockout competition since starting their football pilgrimage last year, when they were at Brantham Athletics’ second round exit to Eastbourne Borough.

After having their photograph taken with the prestigious trophy, the family, of Godmans Lane, Marks Tey, have watched nine matches so far.

Their 1,200 mile trip has seen them visit everywhere from The Hive in Barnet to the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton.

They are now hopeful they can nab tickets for a game in each of the final rounds including the FA Cup final on May 5.

But as places in the latter stages of the tournament intensifies for the clubs, so does the demand for tickets.

Speaking about his boyhood dream of watching an FA Cup Final at Wembley, Dan said: ‘‘As the competition progresses, it is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain tickets but it would mean everything to me and the boys personally to make it to Wembley.

“I never thought I would have a chance of getting to Wembley for the FA Cup Final.

“From the boys’ perspective, they have gone from watching local games in front of 100 people to televised games in front of 30,000.

“So, to see a game in front of 90,000 people would be incredible.’’

The journey may be predominantly about last-minute goals and giant-killing victories, but it’s also been educational for the two brothers who are pupils at St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School, Lexden.

Liam has taken it upon himself to try to learn something about each of the teams he has seen play and has also being taking his match programmes into school.

Dan, a Colchester United fan, said: ‘‘He tells his class mates and teacher all about the FA Cup and how fantastic it is.

“He is becoming an unofficial ambassador for the FA Cup and is even doing a show and tell presentation on the FA Cup to his entire class.’’

The FA Cup started in 1871 and Wanderers FC were the first club to win the competition.

If you can help Dan and his sons with tickets for the remaining matches, please contact Dan on Twitter by messaging @ColchesterDan.