WIDNES Vikings have rewarded the fans who bailed them out at the start of the year with a first trip to Wembley since 1993.

They are now looking to paint the town black and white and aim to take 6,000 followers to the showpiece event on Challenge Cup Final day.

Vikings saw off a determined challenge from Leigh in Sunday’s semi-final and with now play Sheffield Eagles in the inaugural 1895 Cup Final on Saturday 24 August.

The club have been given an initial allocation of 3,500 tickets, but Widnes CEO Phil Finney reckons the town will really buy into this event – and as well as the feelgood factor, the cut from ticket sales is a welcome bonus.

Finney said: “The performance on Sunday was absolutely unbelievable given the circumstances this season.

“It was a huge thank you and reward for our fans, who this season, and the past two decades have been put through the wringer.

“It was fantastic to see so many people get behind the boys on Sunday and they were instrumental in getting the players over the line.

“It was a really emotional day and I do hope that a line can now be drawn on what has gone on before.

“This can act as a catalyst, and show what the future of the club is going to look like.”

Vikings sold more than 2,700 tickets on the first day of sales.

They go on general sale tomorrow.