Buzz building as final countdown begins to Hebburn Town's historic trip to Wembley for the FA Vase

The Hornets take on Northern League rivals Consett in the final a week today on Monday, May 3, and South Tyneside businesses are getting gripped by Wembley fever as they proudly display the club's yellow and black colours in a symbol of support.

The historic Wembley date has been dubbed the biggest game in the Hebburn Town’s history, and while fans are unable to cheer on their team from the stands due to covid restrictions, the event and has captured the community’s imagination nonetheless.

Florists Thanks A Bunch in Station Rd, in Hebburn, is among those cheering on the club, decking out the shop in black and yellow.

Owner Wendy Stead is encouraging everyone to get behind the team before the big final.

“For Hebburn to win at Wembley would just mean everything,” she said. “It's really put Hebburn on the map and the whole town is just buzzing.”

Another shop showing its support is Bolam Premier Sports in Rekendyke Industrial Estate, South Shields, and it could hardly have stronger links to the club – being run by Hebburn Town manager Kevin Bolam and his family.

The shop is covered with official Hebburn merchandise and Kevin is hoping to do to the town proud ahead of the final.

He said: “It’s great to see businesses getting behind the football club and the area, we wish there were some fans going with us but hopefully there'll be some parties in South Tyneside on the day of the final.”

Despite the game being played behind closed doors due to COVID restrictions, Hebburn Town have released virtual tickets and programmes as part of an initiative to raise money for the club and local causes within the community.

So far, the virtual tickets have raised £3,700 and proceeds will be split between the club, Hebburn Helps Food Bank & Crisis Centre, Hebburn Town Juniors FC and the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Local Hebburn resident Karen Knight Collins has also been getting in the Wembley spirit by creating black and yellow bows and putting them up around the town.

To buy a virtual ticket and programme, head to the club’s Crowdfunder page here.

:: Hebburn Town will take on Consett AFC in the FA Vase final at Wembley on May 3, with a 1pm kick-off time.

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