BARNSLEY will become a ghost town on Sunday as 34,000 Reds' fans make their way to Wembley for the FA Cup semi-final against Cardiff.

A convoy of 63 official coaches will leave Oakwell followed by more than 130 others, including sixteen from Durty O 'Dwyers carrying 800 fans alone.

The pub's owner, Paul McNicholas said: "People just keep coming in and buying tickets. We are ringing around everywhere trying to get coaches."

Thousands more will be making their way to London by train and car - including council leader Steve Houghton and family, Mayor of Barnsley, Coun Len Picken who has been invited as a guest of the club and even Sheffield United captain Chris Morgan will be cheering on his home town club where he made his professional debut.

Manager Simon Davey said: "For 34,000 fans to go to Wembley is a massive amount of support. There will be some deserted streets in Barnsley over the weekend. Hopefully when they come back they will have something to shout about."

Oakwell's pitchside announcer Dave Clayton will be taking to the Wembley turf alongside Toby Tyke to get the fans in good voice with a few surprises up his sleeve.

He says it will be like a wedding as he has good luck messages to read out from old Reds favourites Neil Redfearn and Ashley Ward and former player/manager Norman Hunter.

Football fever has gripped the town and tomorrow lots of businesses are trimming up shop fronts in red and white and staff will be wearing football kits and red and white to work in preparation for the big day.

The Mall Alhambra is taking the unprecedented step of closing early on Sunday afternoon so shoppers and staff who are not going to Wembley can get home in time to watch the game on TV or in a local pub.

Pubs are preparing for one of their busiest times yet as fans are expected to continue the cup party - whatever the result.