CHERRIES fans queued in the rain to get their hands on tickets for next weekend’s clash with Liverpool this morning.

Following last night’s 4-1 victory against Burton Albion, AFCB will face off against the Anfield outfit at home.

And season ticket holders started queues to get their hands on the prized tickets at 7.15am today.

First in the queue was Sandi Gregory, of Christchurch, who waited for almost two hours for the box office to open – even though she won’t be viewing the match herself.

“These tickets are for my son Tyler and a friend,” she said.

“He’s 15 and he goes to Corfe Hills School. I know he’s going to be so excited when he finds out.”

Brian Dodd, 59, was forced to miss last night’s match after initially buying tickets for the postponed game on Saturday, January 4.

“I was absolutely gutted,” he said.

“I’m a lorry driver and I work a lot of nights, but I’m always there on Saturday. I’m chuffed with the result and I can’t wait to see Liverpool here.”

Although he now lives in Christchurch, Mr Dodd said: “If you cut me in half, you’d see Bournemouth’s colours.”

Peter Briant, 77, remembered watching his first match in 1949 as he stood in the queue.

“It was against Queens Park Rangers, and I would have been about 12,” he said.

“I’ve been a fan ever since. A lot has happened to the club over the years, but now we’re back on the up, and it’s fantastic.”

Harold Barnes, 64, said: “It’s the icing on the cake for long-time fans.”

And Steve Marchant, 66, of Bournemouth, bought tickets for his season ticket-holding wife and son alongside his own.

“I’ve supported the club since I was a boy,” he said.

“Everyone standing in this queue today is a real enthusiast. We’re all looking forward to the match.”

Season ticket holders are able to purchase one ticket per person and have until the end of Saturday to claim their seat.

General sale will start at 9am on Saturday, January 18 and tickets will be available in person from the ticket office, BIC and Pavilion, over the phone and online at afcbdirect.co.uk. Supporters will be able to purchase a maximum of two tickets per person.

Unclaimed season ticket holders' seats will go on sale from 9am on Sunday, January 19 via telephone and afcbdirect.co.uk only. These tickets will not be available in person.