FROM winning promotions to the old Third Division to appearing in an FA Cup quarter final, there have been some notable times in the history of Southport Football Club.

But for many the Haig Avenue outfit’s greatest day was a famous trip to Wembley Stadium in 1998, when more than 10,000 Sandgrounders descended on North London for the final of the FA Trophy.

With a 10-year anniversary of that 1-0 defeat to Cheltenham looming on May 17 and a player reunion approaching this Sunday, LookBack recalls memories of fans, players and officials of that glorious day in the Wembley sunshine.

Despite dominating proceedings, Paul Futcher’s ‘Port were felled by a Jason Eaton goal 11 minutes from time.

But for club chief executive Haydn Preece, the Southport Visiter’s Southport FC correspondent at the time, the loss far from overshadowed the grandeur of the day.

He said: “We travelled down on the Friday morning and visited Wembley early in the afternoon. The grass was being cut in preparation for the FA Cup Final on the Saturday.

“To see the Twin Towers and to touch the grass where so many heroes had played was awe-inspiring. It was a privilege for Southport to play in the same arena as the 1966 World Cup winning side – the whole place had an aura of history about it.

“To see so many Southport fans as we drove the coach into Wembley tunnel was an amazing experience, and one that shows what potential there is in the town to activate.”

Lesley Senior holds up Molly the dog in Southport FC colours ahead of the trip to Wembley

Southport met high-flying Cheltenham Town in the Trophy final after defeating Slough Town in the semi-final. More than 4,800 packed into Haig Avenue knowing that Kevin Formby’s second-half goal was to send them to the most prestigious stadium in the world.

Port fan Martyn O’Hara: “I was only 18 years old at the time and I don’t think I could really take it all in. There was pure excitement in the air, it was a fantastic day.

“When we beat Slough there was a buzz about the town that I don’t think has been recreated since. Everywhere you went you’d see people wearing Southport shirts with pride.”

Southport’s Kevin Formby fights for possession of the ball at Wembley

Fleets of coaches made the trip to Wembley, and the club’s temporary shop on the corner of Lord Street and Kingsway took more than £7,000 in the last hour of opening.

And despite the loss in the final, the squad, led by captain Brian Butler, were treated like heroes on their return to the town.

Hundreds of fans turned out for open-top bus tour and civic reception at the Floral Hall.

Former Southport FC marketing manager Derek Hitchcock, outside the Sandgrounders’ shop on Lord Street, with some of the merchandise for Wembley

Haydn Preece added: “The players and the town celebrated as if they had won – we played well enough to have won. For some reason, the ball just didn’t want to go in the net.”

SOUTHPORT FC celebrate their 1998 Wembley appearance with a reunion match at Haig Avenue this Sunday.

Kick off is at 1.30pm with admission £4 adults and £2 concessions with all funds raised going towards the club’s youth development programme.

The Wembley squad will be led by the then player-manager Paul Futcher and inspirational skipper Brian Butler. Also returning are Billy Stewart, Andy Farley, Phil Bolland, Tim Ryan, Ged Kielty, Dave Thompson, David Gamble, Andy Whittaker and physio Max Thompson.

Dave Thompson and John Bagnall leave for Wembley ahead of the 1998 FA Trophy final against Cheltenham Town

The Wembley heroes will play against a mainly 1992/93 and ‘94 squad led by Kevin Mooney with Paul Comstive, Mark Brennan, Paul Moore and Martin Clark appearing.

Chief executive Haydn Preece said: “It is important to celebrate our Wembley appearance and the best way is to bring the squad together again.

“We are looking forward to a fun afternoon and sharing memories of a wonderful Wembley weekend.”

Southport FC kitman Wes Hall and his wife Sylvie who washed the team’s kit ready for their FA Trophy Final match

Supporters who wish to feature in the match can pledge a £100 to play against or for the Wembley side. Contact Haydn Preece on 07976 555782.

VITAL STATS:

Cheltenham Town (0) 1 (Eaton 79)
Southport (0) 0

Cheltenham Town: Book, Duff, Victory, Banks, Freeman, Knight (Smith 78), Howells, Bloomer, Eaton, Watkins, Walker (Milton 78).

Southport: Stewart, Horner, Futcher, Ryan, Farley, Kielty, Butler, Gamble, Formby (Whittaker 80), Thompson (Bolland 86), Ross.

Attendance: 26, 837

Referee: Mr G. Willard (Worthing).

DID you make the trip to Wembley? Do you have any memories of Southport FC’s big day?
Send your photos and memories to: visiternews@southportvisiter.co.uk or write to: LookBack, Southport Visiter, 26- 32 Tulketh St, Southport PR8 1BT or leave a message below.

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