Toon Army travellers from south of the Tyne are advised to allow plenty of time for their journey to tomorrow’s (Sunday, April 2) Newcastle home match against Manchester United.

Emergency repair works on the Metro network has enforced the closure of the line between Gateshead Stadium and Jarrow/Brockley Whins stations.

Repair work is ongoing following severe overhead line failure in the Pelaw area which has affected cross-Tyne services over the last few days.

Metro operator Nexus has confirmed the closure will remain in place on Sunday afternoon, when Newcastle United face Manchester United, at St James’ Park.

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Nexus is urging fans to travel early for the game, as there are limited numbers of replacement buses, while Metro ticket acceptance on local bus routes will mean that those services are expected to be busy.

Customer Services Director at Nexus, Huw Lewis, said: “The message to supporters heading to the game on Sunday from south of the River Tyne is to allow plenty of time to get there.

“I can’t stress that enough.

“The Metro will not be running from Jarrow to Gateshead Stadium, and between Brockley Whins and Gateshead Stadium.

“Both the South Shields and Sunderland lines are affected.”

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He urged fans to leave a lot earlier than usual or to make alternative arrangements so that they get to St James’ Park in time for the 4.30pm kick off.

“We are replacing 800 metres of overhead wire that came down on Thursday and the repairs will take us into early next week.

“I am sorry for the disruption and inconvenience this is causing to customers.

“We know that on Sunday a lot of fans will have their journeys affected.”

Mr Lewis said Magpie Mover pass holders can use them on all buses up to four hours before the game.

“My message is don’t leave it to chance.

“If you usually come into Newcastle from south of the Tyne using the Metros and buses, then leave earlier.”

Metro tickets and passes are valid on Go North East services 9, 26, 27 and 56 in South Tyneside, Gateshead and Sunderland. 

The replacement bus 900 will serve Brockley Whins and Fellgate before heading to Gateshead.

Read next:

* Live: Metros delays in Sunderland after overhead line problems

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Northern Rail services from Sunderland to Heworth and on to Newcastle will accept Metro tickets. 

The Shields Ferry will accept Metro tickets enabling travellers from South Tyneside to use the river crossing and then take a Metro service from North Shields Station into Newcastle.

Up to date passenger information is available on the service website, www.nexus.org.uk, and on the Twitter page @My_Metro.