First Great Western is offering travel advice for thousands of Bristol Rovers fans planning to travel by train to Cardiff Millennium Stadium on Sunday, 1 April, for the final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy against Doncaster Rovers.

Says Phil West, First Great Western's Special Events Manager : “We are expecting a huge demand for our services and advise customers planning to travel by train to use Bristol Temple Meads as their departure station, as we are increasing the number of trains from this station, due to its size. In contrast, there will be relatively few services heading for Cardiff from Bristol Parkway available for fans on 1 April.

“We are also advising customers to come early – before 0900 makes the best sense. The earlier you travel, the more likely it is that you'll be able to walk straight onto a train.

“Customers should be aware that a strict queuing system will be in operation and there will be no reservations on trains between Bristol and Cardiff . A queuing system will also operate for the return journey at Cardiff Central station.

“There will be no train services which will get fans to Cardiff in time for the kick-off from Filton Abbey Wood or Patchway stations on 1 April .“

Customers should also be advised that no alcohol may be sold, carried or consumed on trains between Bristol and Cardiff or Cardiff and Bristol on 1 April.