People encouraged to 'paint the town black and yellow' ahead of Hebburn Town's FA Vase Wembley trip as South Tyneside Council pledge support for Hornets

The final, which was postponed in September 2020 due to rising coronavirus cases, will see Hebburn Town take on Consett AFC at Wembley.

South Tyneside Council is encouraging residents and business owners to support the Hornets on their trip to the cup final.

In the run up to the game, South Tyneside Council is joining businesses across the town to cheer on the club by displaying messages of support across its buildings, on its website and social media.

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.

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.

He added: “We are thankful for the support of South Tyneside Council 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.”

Leader of South Tyneside Council, 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 final, but due to restrictions, fans will be showing their support from their homes back in South Tyneside.

“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,” said Stephen.

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

Jarrow MP Kate Osbourne urged the Government earlier in March to make the final a pilot event so fans could attend ‘the biggest game in the clubs history’.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has asked the FA to “do what they can” after the issue was raised again in Parliament at Prime Minister’s Questions on March 24.

The FA Vase final between Hebburn Town FC and Consett AFC takes at place at Wembley Stadium on May 3 2021.

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