February 23, 2001 9:51: IT was the talk of the town. Colleagues at the office spoke about nothing else. Friends rang each other up.

If FA Cup excitement in Wycombe reached fever pitch before Tuesday's tie, it has now exploded off the scale.

Community leaders also joined in the celebrations of Wycombe Wanderers' superb result.

Chairman of Wycombe District Council David Cox congratulated Wycombe on their very exciting and well-deserved win.

He added: "A special word of praise also to all the supporters, who by their presence and enthusiasm helped towards this notable achievement."

MP for Wycombe Sir Ray Whitney voiced his congratulations.

He said: "It's tremendous, wonderful result. My only regret is I couldn't get there but I wish them all the best in their next tie."

Companies also joined in the celebrations and many offices on Wednesdays hummed with talk of the Blues great win.

Verco Office Furniture Ltd, of Chapel Lane, Sands, hired a coach to take people to the replay against Wimbledon.

Managing director Derek Vere said: "It was an amazing match and one of the most exciting games I've ever been to. It was just unbelievable."

Colin Walker, manager of Lakes TV shop, Oxford Road, High Wycombe, said it was excellent.

He added: "We're very proud to be sponsors of Wycombe. They've done remarkably well for the town."

And the town's reaction has shown just how much Wycombe's cup run means to the people in the area.

Joe Slade