A LIMITED number of free coach seats are available to Swindon Wildcats fans ahead of the club’s National Cup Final first-leg contest in Sheffield.

Following the heartache of Sunday’s Southern Area Playoff semi-final defeat to Peterborough Phantoms, Wildcats sponsors Cardwave Services have acted to provide a coach that will travel to Yorkshire as Aaron Nell’s men look to secure their second trophy of the season.

The club was dealt a bitter blow last week when losing 9-6 on aggregate to the Phantoms in controversial circumstances as Cats’ 4-2 home win was reversed to a 0-5 loss following the registration of an ineligible player.

But it’s hoped spirits among fans will be lifted as a 94-seater double decker bus has been allocated for free travel.

Paul Norbury, chief executive of Cardwave and chairman of the supporters’ club, said: “It’s been a tough week for everyone associated with the club.

“I wanted to do something to lift the spirits.

“My company has been providing the coaches for the team during the regular season so this was an obvious thing to do.

“We have a brilliant club and we should be putting all our efforts behind the team and supporting them in the National Cup Final.”

The team coach is scheduled to leave at 1.30pm with the fans’ coach following soon after.

Seats are being allocated on a first-come first-served basis.

Head coach Aaron Nell said: “This is an unbelievable gesture from Paul and Cardwave.

“It will mean a lot to me and the players to have as many fans there as possible.

“The thought of a Swindon convoy heading to Sheffield to stake our claim on the cup is really exciting.

“I am sure the coach will be full.”

Those interested in free coach travel should email supporters.club@swindonwildcats.com.