More than 60,000 fans are set to descend on Wembley Stadium on Sunday for the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Final between Grimsby Town and Milton Keynes Dons.

This weekend's match will be the 25th final of The Football League Trophy, The League's cup competition for clubs from Leagues 1 and 2.

In reflecting on the Trophy's current state of health, Football League Chairman Lord Mawhinney said:

"This competition is in great shape, probably the best in its 25 year history.

"Following the changes we made to the competition's format we have seen crowds rise by 21 per cent this season. Largely, because clubs are using these matches to bring a new family audience to midweek cup football.

"As a competition it gives clubs from Leagues 1 and 2 the chance to earn their own piece of cup glory. This is important to clubs as opportunities to win trophies are limited.

"It is even more important to supporters, as demonstrated by the long queues for tickets in Milton Keynes and Grimsby in the lead-up to this match."

The two finalists are set for a financial windfall from Sunday's match with each club set to earn around £350,000 in gate receipts. The winning club will also receive total competition prize money of £100,000.

Grimsby Town head to Wembley, this weekend, seeking to repeat their triumph of 1998. Then, as now, the Mariners are managed by Alan Buckley. For Milton Keynes Dons Sunday's match will be a first ever final in this competition and a first final in the managerial career of former England midfielder Paul Ince.

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