Non league club Witham Town have been left ‘blown away’ after a YouTuber’s appeal to fans sets a record attendance at the weekend.
It all started with a tweet, a request, by Ellis Platten, an attempt for fans across the world and his followers, to help fill a non league ground and break a club’s record attendance.
Platten, whose AwayDays channel with 580,000 subscribers, called on his audience, and anyone else to attend Witham Town v Gorleston on Saturday, March 7th.
The aim for the game is to try and do something good for a local non league side, but to also give an amazing fan a game he’ll always remember too.
His tweet, on the 10th of February, asking ‘If we did an AwayDay where we tried to take as many fans as possible to a team that gets none…’, went on to get hundreds of replies, and a million views. More on that below.
YouTuber Ellis Platten rallies fans to fill non league ground and break club’s record attendance
Attendance today is a huge 1203
WTF 2 – 2 GOR 75′
— WithamTownFC (@Withamtownfc) March 7, 2026
“Two YouTubers” pic.twitter.com/iTdqG7yHrG
— Ellis Platten – AwayDays (@ellis_platten) March 8, 2026
The game was played at the weekend, finishing 2-2, and it was announced that it had an attendance of 1,205, beating the club’s previous record of 898 people set for a 2014 play-off final.
Witham had the biggest attendance in the Isthmian League North Division on the day, with the second highest being 350 at Waltham Abbey v Maldon & Tiptree.
Witham said in a statement: “Saturday was a day that many non-league clubs can only dream about, but we were lucky enough to see our dream become a reality.
“We must start by saying a huge thank you to Ellis for not only approaching the club with this idea three weeks ago, but also for giving the club such a fantastic day. When we first discussed the idea, we never expected the outcome – which was simply incredible.
“We were blown away to learn that supporters travelled from South America, Canada, Chicago, Sweden, Glasgow, Portsmouth, Manchester, South Wales and many other locations across the UK just to be at the Simarco Stadium to meet Ellis and watch Witham Town FC.
“It was great that the day passed without incident and that so many youngsters were able to enjoy the occasion. The atmosphere from before kick-off and throughout the game was amazing, and it has already left many new supporters wanting to return.
“A special thank you must go to the staff and volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure the day ran smoothly. While some queues were long at times, supporters were very understanding and this was greatly appreciated by everyone at the club.
“While we now turn our attention to Tuesday night, when Lowestoft Town visit the Simarco Stadium, this amazing day will live long in the memory of those associated with the club. We also know that Step 4 Witham Town FC has gained many new supporters. Up the Town!”
Transcribed with the help of TurboScribe!
Club vice-chairman Jim Purtill said, per BBC Sport: “Ellis is fantastic because none of this would have happened without him. He’s been here before and we know him and he’s done a big favour for the club.
“It’s great to have a big good crowd, a big atmosphere [and] obviously the money that comes with it, but I think the main thing is just raise the awareness of Isthmian League football and non-league football generally.”
Ellis Platten said, as per BBC News: “I didn’t expect it to go like this. We bought 200 inflatable pigs and I thought that’d be too many.
“There’s so many people here that it’s gone a bit mad, to be honest. I didn’t expect it to do what it’s done.”
Alfie Indra added: “It’s going to really, really help them financially. It’s a club that doesn’t have a tonne of cash and we’ve managed to raise a good fair few thousand pounds for them, which for a club at this level, that’s huge.”
Thank you from Witham Town FC! pic.twitter.com/z1ZyThYzP8
— WithamTownFC (@Withamtownfc) March 8, 2026
When I first saw @ellis_platten was about to attempt a record @Witamtownfc I knew I had to get myself back to Essex to cover it!
My coverage with an interview from the man himself for @NonLeaguePaper 👇 pic.twitter.com/qZKeqLO8a3
— Tom Cunningham (@TomCunningham75) March 8, 2026
Here’s how social media users reacted with the non league club left ‘blown away’ after a YouTuber’s appeal to fans sets a record attendance…
@sambantick: What a club up the town! I think it should be an annual thing now mate, gotta beat it again next season @ellis_platten 👀
@FMullered: Favourite moment was stood in the queue to get in and a volunteer climbed onto the gantry and let out a little expletive having seen the queue, calling the players up to have a look… Was a wonderful friendly occasion.
@ReviewNonLeague: 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 A great effort from all involved especially @ellis_platten with the idea.
@wsavage_dcfc: @ellis_platten could do with you down at Wingate!
@LiamKitRolls: Incredible moment to be part of it. Loved every minute of it, and can’t wait to rewatch everything from it. All the best to you and Witham Town for the rest of the season.
@AstoundedG: Brilliant day out l hope the club made a bunch of money. Lovely people and ground. Thank you 🙏🏻
@Wazzadinio: exactly what non league all about great to see 👏
You must be logged in to post a comment Login