AN armada of buses sets off tomorrow (Wednesday January 22) ferrying North-East football fans to Old Trafford, one-step from a potential Wembley cup final date.

Almost 9,000 Sunderland supporters will make their way to the home of Manchester United for tomorrow evening’s Capital One Cup semi-final second-leg, holding a 2-1 lead over from the tie’s first-leg at the Stadium of Light earlier this month.

Due to the expense of all the extra recent cup ties, and with tickets for tomorrow’s match costing between £46 and £55 for visiting fans, Sunderland AFC is providing free buses for its supporters.

A fleet of up to 150 coaches will depart from the Stadium of Light from 2pm tomorrow.

Sunderland supporters were given the option to travel free of charge on buying tickets for the second-leg.

Those taking up the offer are advised that no parking will be available at the stadium because of the number of coaches gathering ahead of departure.

The stadium’s East Stand concourse will be open from 12.30 until 2pm, serving hot and cold drinks and food deals.

Club stewards will accompany each bus on the return journey to Old Trafford, where a designated parking area has been set aside.

Supporters taking up the free travel offer are asked to arrive at the Stadium of Light for boarding no later than 1.30pm, when all buses will be located in the Green car park, adjacent to the ticket office.

Supporters must be in possession of a valid match ticket and a travel voucher to be eligible to board.

Under-18s must be accompanied by an adult, while all those travelling are reminded that alcohol is strictly forbidden on board buses.