The fans had followed the team to Truro in Cornwall and Hungerford in Berkshire prior to last Saturday's long haul to East Anglia.

But not content on travelling nearly 300 miles from Whitley Bay to the eastern tip of the UK, one fan travelled from as far away as Northern Ireland to attend the Lowestoft game.

John Braniff, who lives in Belfast is a massive fan of Whitley and travels to all the home games, but made a special effort to attend the Vase semi-final first leg.

Speaking just before the kick-off, he said: "Whitley Bay is the home of football in the north.

"I travelled from Belfast to Whitley Bay to pick up my mate and then we drove down this morning to come and watch the game.

"We are going to Wembley.

"I had to come and watch it today, its the semi-final and its better than going to watch Newcastle play."

Coaches left different venues across Whitley Bay at around 7am on Saturday morning filled with excited fans hopeful of a victory on the day.

Others travelled down in their cars, including fan Duncan McGilvray from Heaton.

He said: "I am confident we will get to Wembley.

"It is exciting, and we have done it before.

"I am very much looking forward to the game and I hope we get a victory."

Twelve-year-old Louis Leteve was also excited to be there on Saturday.

The Marden High School pupil also travelled to Hungerford for the quarter-final tie and is a regular follower of the team.

He said: "I am excited about today, I will definitely be going to Wembley if they get there."

Although the victory didn't come last weekend, fans are being urged to turn up on Saturday and get behind the team – kick-off 3pm.

It is a tough task but not an impossible one, and fans are being encouraged to get their tickets early to ensure entry into Hillheads.

Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for under 16s.

They are available from the Seahorses Clubhouse after 6pm and before 8.30pm and from Beckman's News in Hillheads Road during the day.

Tickets are also available by calling the football club on (0191) 291 3637.

• Northumbria Police are reminding fans where they can park while attending the vital semi-final second leg clash.

There will be no parking in Hillheads Road, with cones out to deter fans.

Disabled parking is available at the ground behind the north stand while a temporary car park will be set up to the rear of Foxhunters playing field.