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Was it THE best final of all time?
Story courtesy of
Gresley Rovers’ epic draw with Guiseley was today being hailed as one of the all-time great Wembley finals.
Rovers trailed 3-0 to the Yorkshiremen after just 31 minutes before staging an incredible comeback to finally draw level in the second minute of injury time.Stuart Stokes then put the Moatmen – cheered on by a large majority of the 11,314 crowd – ahead from the penalty spot only for Guiseley to snatch a dramatic equaliser a minute from the end.
That meant a replay tomorrow night at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane ground – with Rovers boss Frank Northwood hinting that he will make at least one change in his line-up.
Although Northwood named his Wembley line-up well in advance, he said during the post match celebrations: “I shan’t be naming the side this time, but a squad instead. And I may make a change – we shall have to see how we stand.”
Meanwhile, Rovers coach Steve Dolby revealed that a furious dressing room outburst from goalkeeper Bob Aston at half time had helped spark his team’s second-half comeback.
“When we went in at half time Bob spoke to all the lads and said: “Look – I’m not being humiliated at Wembley in front of all those people – let’s not lose this one.”
Rovers responded by adding two goals – both from Kieron Smith – to Carl Rathbone’s first half effort.
Guest of honour Sir Stanley Matthews was said to have “really enjoyed” the game while Football Association chairman Bert Millichip told Rovers committee men: “That was one of the best finals I’ve seen at Wembley.”
The sentiment was echoed yesterday as Rovers were given a civic reception in Swadlincote after touring the streets of Gresley in an open-top bus.
South Derbyshire Council chairman – and ardent Rovers supporter – Josiah Ford told players and officials: “It was a tremendous achievement – and the main hope now is that you bring the trophy you so richly deserve back to South Derbyshire.”