Widnes fans rush for Wembley tickets as Purtill looks ahead to Sheffield trip

James Gordon

Photo courtesy of Richard Long

Widnes coach Kieron Purtill says the 1895 Cup final at Wembley will be a great occasion, as fans rushed to get their tickets on Wednesday.

The first fan started queuing at 5.30am as the Vikings put tickets on sale for season ticket holders only, with fans queuing for more than three hours during the day.

The club received 3,500 in its initial allocation and while they haven’t announced how many have been sold today, at least one of the blocks on offer has been sold out.

They go on general sale to fans on Friday.

Widnes beat Leigh 12-8 in a thrilling semi-final on Sunday to set up a clash with Sheffield, who had earlier beaten Batley.

Purtill said: “I don’t think it’s quite sank in yet that we’re going to Wembley. The game was a fantastic game, not the prettiest in terms of rugby league, but two teams who gave everything they’ve got to each other in front of a big crowd.

“What a great advertisement for the Championship and the 1895 Cup.

“You just looked at the fans at the end behind the sticks, look at the celebrations in the changing room after what’s been a massive season for everyone involved with the club.

“It’s a massive way to finish it off. We’ve got to go to Wembley and enjoy the day, regardless of the result, it will be a great occasion for us and something we will look forward to.”

Widnes return to league action with a trip to Sheffield this Friday, with still some lingering doubts over relegation hanging above them.

The Vikings have a three point cushion over Barrow in the relegation places.

Purtill added: “It’s a rehearsal of the cup game, we’ve got to be good with our energy this week. We’ve put a lot of energy in to the cup game, and emotionally getting to Wembley can take a lot out of you.

“We’ve got to re-group get ourselves back together and ultimately we’ve got to win games in the league as well.”

Widnes are without Patrick Ah Van, who suffered a horrific looking ankle injury in the game against Leigh, but it is not believed to be serious.

The winger has been on a four-week trial with the Vikings, with the club still unable to sign players due to the special measures imposed on them by the RFL.

Also missing the trip to Sheffield is centre Anthony Gelling. The Cook Islands international scored a try against the Centurions in what was his first appearance in a month.

Widnes squad v Sheffield: Ashall-Bott, Brand, J Chapelhow, T Chapelhow, Craven, Farnworth, Freeman, Ganson, Hansen, Ince, Johnstone, Leuluai, Lyons, Norman, Owens, Robson, Roby, Walker, Wilde.

Championship Kieron Purtill