How one West Bromwich Albion fan won the FA Cup!

Mar 28 2008 By Edward Chadwick

SCHOOLBOYS and professionals alike dream of lifting the FA Cup - but one West Bromwich Albion fan is celebrating after winning the trophy without leaving his living room.

With only two Wembley matches standing between West Brom and glory, soccer-mad dad Martin White got an early taste of victory when he won a Birmingham Mail competition which made him the envy of supporters across the land.

Neighbours flocked to his home in Handsworth Wood as he took delivery of the FA Cup for the afternoon.

Baggies fans hope their Hawthorns heroes bring the trophy back to the West Midlands in May, but Martin's family and friends made the most of its appearance as they posed for pictures alongside the iconic silverware.

"My wife saw the competition on the website and entered my name, and here I am sitting with the Cup," said part-time teacher and church minister Martin, aged 38.

"It's been a dream since I first watched the final on TV."

Martin lives in Cornwall Road with wife Louise, 38, and sons Callum, seven, and Finlay, three.

The Baggies meet Portsmouth on April 5, and a win will set up a meeting with either Barnsley or Cardiff City on May 17.

National Express is running direct services from West Bromwich bus station and Birmingham coach station to Wembley on April 5. To book, visit www.nationalexpress.com.