Being a Sutton United fan, comedian Tim Vine is no stranger to witnessing an FA Cup giantkilling and could even claim to have helped inspire the team to its most recent upset in December.

His rally cry of "do it for Sutton, Gander Green Lane, the people, the one-way system" worked wonders for United who did just that, defeating League 2 side Cheltenham Town 2-1 in the Second Round of the cup to earn a home tie against AFC Wimbledon at Gander Green Lane tomorrow (January 7) in the next stage of the competition.

Vine, who was born and brought up in Cheam, clearly loves his football, almost as much as his darts - he's the current Epsom District Monday Summer Darts League Singles Champion - and enthuses when talking about his team.

He said: "I absolutely love going to Gander Green Lane. There's a great atmosphere down there.

"The chairman Bruce Elliott is a lovely guy and I know Paul [Doswell] the manager too.

"I've been to Chelsea with my brother [broadcaster Jeremy Vine] a few times and it's good because it's the top level, obviously. But it's great sitting next to the chairman at Sutton and hearing all the singing."

Vine is currently appearing in panto and might well expect a barrage of boos when he takes to the stage as Idle Jack in Dick Whittington across enemy lines at New Wimbledon Theatre but is quick to admit a fondness for the Dons.

The comic recalls matches at their old Plough Lane home and seeing them beat Liverpool on the grandest stage of all.

"Hopefully I won't get booed because I like AFC Wimbledon as well," he said.

"Back in the 1980s I had a temporary job at Wembley Stadium as a steward.

"I was actually working the day Wimbledon won the FA Cup. I can't remember whether it was £13 or £18 for the shift but I was paid to watch the cup final.

"I was in the Liverpool end which was hilarious because I was surrounded by all these Scousers who were moaning about the match. They had a lot to moan about because they missed loads of chances.

"I'll always remember at the final whistle there was absolute pandemonium in the Wimbledon section. It was like a little country tucked away in the corner - a far cry from the end I was in."

For Wimbledon, it's a return to where it all began. Their first ever match took place at Gander Green Lane on July 10, 2002 when they faced Sutton in a pre-season friendly.

An astonishing attendance of 4,657 saw the home side triumph 4-0 and both clubs have come a long way since then.

Wimbledon have thrilled their fans with a roller-coaster ride through the divisions from the humble Combined Countie League to the heady heights of League 1, while Sutton have enjoyed two title winning seasons in recent years to regain their place in the National League for the first time since 2001.

Vine's panto commitments mean he will miss the game, but as the big clash approaches he is keen to play down any talk of a rivalry between the two clubs.

He said: "I actually think there's a mutual respect between Sutton and Wimbledon.

"Someone talked to me about a bitter rivalry, but I don't think there is. Wimbledon are saving all their bitterness for Milton Keynes."

"The draw is a good one because once you miss the Premier League teams then you want a tie where you have a good chance of getting through and both teams will fancy their chances.

"I'm a Sutton fan first and foremost and I'll obviously be gutted for if they go out. That said, there's a part of me that will be pleased for Wimbledon."

Sutton United v AFC Wimbledon, FA Cup Third Round, the Borough Sports Ground, Gander Green Lane, Sutton, Saturday, January 7, 3pm. The game is all ticket. More details at suttonunited.net

Time Vine stars in Dick Whittington, New Wimbledon Theatre, The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1QG, until Sunday, January 15. Tickets £12-£46. More details at atgtickets.com/new-wimbledon-theatre