Â鶹ÊÓƵ

The people of South Tyneside will be cheering on Hebburn Town Football Club in May when they play at Wembley Stadium (Monday 3 May).

The Hornets are preparing to make the journey down to London where they will play Consett AFC in the much-anticipated 2019/20 FA Vase Final.

The match, which was due to take place in September last year, was postponed due to the Coronavirus pandemic, with a rise in Covid-19 cases and a national lockdown meant that the match could no longer take place.

This will be the second time that two North East teams will play in the final and the furthest that Hebburn Town Football Club has reached in the league.

Residents and business owners in Hebburn are encouraged to 'paint the town black and yellow' - the team's club colours - using posters, bunting or banners to decorate their homes and businesses in support of the club.

Â鶹ÊÓƵ is joining businesses across the town to show its support for the Hornets in the run up to the game by displaying messages of support across its Council buildings, on its website and social media.

Messages on the digital screens across South Tyneside will also wish the team the best of luck at Wembley.

The Leader of Â鶹ÊÓƵ, Councillor Tracey Dixon said: "I am absolutely delighted that Hebburn Town FC has reached the FA Vase Final and pleased that the team now have a confirmed match date after last year's was unfortunately cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

"To be playing at the iconic Wembley Stadium is such a fantastic achievement and, although they will be playing behind closed doors, I know that South Tyneside will still get behind them and show their support in the run up to the match, and on the day itself. 

"We will most definitely be cheering them on and wish them the best of luck at Wembley."

There had been hopes that supporters would be able to attend the FA Vase Final, but due to restrictions, fans will be showing their support from their homes back in South Tyneside. 

Stephen Rutherford, Director of Football at Hebburn Town FC, said: "The football club are extremely proud and excited that we have managed to reach the final of the FA Vase at Wembley Stadium - it's a fantastic achievement for the club but also for the town of Hebburn.

"It saddens me that our fans, the wider community and those following the club regularly cannot be with us down in London on May 3 to celebrate this momentous occasion.

"We are thankful for the support of Â鶹ÊÓƵ and hope that in the build up to the day, our community can come together to show their support with good luck messages and putting posters and bunting up around properties, painting the town our club colours; black and yellow.

"We hope we can do our community proud and bring back the cup"