MEMORY LANE

Dom Roman – @DomRoman

WEMBLEY 2009

The play-off 2008 defeat hurt us all badly and the hangover continued into the 2008-09 campaign. United struggled to stir themselves and with Paul Buckle’s job apparently on the line, Tim Sills scored a late penalty to beat Northwich at home. It felt like a big goal at the time from a player who scored plenty of them in his time at Plainmoor, and so it proved. United pushed into play-off contention, and then slivered past a physical and awkward Histon team 2-1 on aggregate in the play-offs, with Michael Poke making a memorable save to avoid the game slipping into extra time and possibly penalties. Wembley here we come (again!), with Cambridge United the opposition, managed by former Gull Gary Brabin who had masterminded a victory over Stevenage in the other semi-final.

Myself and old mate Rich decided to take the Travel Club to Wembley this time around, and there was a nervous energy heading into a sunny May day as we departed from Torquay bus station. In a similar fashion to the current team and manager, this was going to be our second chance at getting out of the division and with the Conference getting more competitive by the year, it felt like it was one we needed to take. Unlike the 2008 team that were tired and bedraggled heading to the FA Trophy final, these players were in good health, mentally and physically stronger, and with Nicky Wroe and Chris Hargreaves forming an excellent midfield partnership, we had a great chance. But we also knew it would be tough.

The day went swimmingly and we were up there in no time. With the sun shining we headed to some local Wembley pubs (pubs that have since closed down) and delved into a number of pints to help us get in the mood for a MASSIVE game of football. The Yellow Army had travelled in great numbers again, but were outnumbered by Cambridge, who were also desperate to reclaim their place in the Football League. And then into the match, my memories become more vague over the passing years, but we felt and calm and confident from the off, defending well and keeping Cambridge at bay. What I have remembered looking at the stats is that they had Lee Phillips and Scott Rendell playing for them that day, past and future Gulls strikers, thankfully neither of those guys could beat Michael Poke in the United goal.

One person who probably isn’t mentioned enough when discussing the final is Elliot Benyon, and it was his short pass that found Chris Hargreaves on 35 mins. Storming onto it with all his trademark gusto, Hargy took a touch and then launched a right foot banger into the net past a despairing Adam Bartlett. I’m not sure the skipper ever used his right foot to greater effect in his long and distinguished career, and the celebrations at this goal matched it’s brilliance.

Cambridge were stunned. After that we controlled the game, and as the minutes ticked on it just felt like our day. On 70 minutes that feeling was amplified when Phil Bolland received a second card for a foul on Elliot Benyon (his second notable contribution!). Then the dagger came from the Gulls, and it would be one of the sweetest goals and moments in our long history. Elliot Benyon found Wayne Carlisle in space on the right wing and his slightly lofted cross was perfect for the arriving Tim Sills to head into the net. Sills, who was of course wearing that iconic Zorro mask, did not disappoint with his celebration! Arms out in aeroplane fashion, and then a swish of an imaginary sword, as the Yellow Army pogoed, hugged and rejoiced in the stands. Absolutely joyful in every respect. ‘We are going up, say we are going up’.

Final whistle blown, Paul Buckle, Chris Hargreaves and his merry men had delivered when it mattered most, and we soaked up the scenes afterwards on what was a perfect afternoon in London, as Manse, Nicho, little Danny Stevens, Chris Todd, Robbo and others paraded the trophy around after a long tough Conference Premier season. When you get days like that, it’s important you make the most of them. Those years had seen the consortium, led by Alex Rowe, bring back much-needed fun and pride into our lives and that momentum would continue into the following seasons, with Paul Buckle’s determination taking us agonisingly close to League 1, though I would rather not talk about Wembley 2011 just now!

Will Paul Wotton take us on a similar journey to Paul Buckle in the coming years? I see some similar traits in those two managers, a passionate drive and dedication to get the job done and to show the footballing world their managerial abilities. We’re back in the hands of supporters again this time around and we have upwards momentum that is all important with a club like ours. Here’s hoping for more Hargreaves and Sillsy type heroics in 2026 – time to write new promotion chapters in Torquay’s history and edge us closer to the Football League.