On the Auto Windscreens cup: Enjoying cup final the Wembley way

After watching the Auto Windscreen Shield final between Bristol City and Stoke City at Wembley, it really hit home what a great competition this is!

A lot of football fans look down on this tournament - which gives Second and Third Division clubs a realistic chance of reaching the twin towers - especially in the early rounds, which regularly struggle to attract crowds around the 1,000 mark.

Some sides even use the preliminaries of this cup to field their reserve team and other untried players, but all clubs should give this competition their best efforts because there are many rewards on offer.

Last Sunday's final attracted a near-capacity attendance of over 75,000 fans, which is amazing in itself, with both Bristol City and Stoke reaping a reported £500,000 pay day from the gate receipts.

But this tournament's finale isn't just about financial gain, it is about the whole day and a memorable occasion for the fans and players whose teams have made a rare trip to Wembley.

With the gulf between the lower and higher league clubs growing bigger and bigger, Second and Third Division sides don't have a chance of making it to Wembley for one of the big domestic trophies - the FA and Worthington Cup.

However, the Auto Windscreens Shield gives them the opportunity to achieve every footballer's dreams by gracing the hallowed turf.

I was part of BBC Radio Bristol's commentary team on Sunday and the feeling around the ground was electric, especially when both teams ran on to the pitch five minutes before kick-off.

There was a massive buzz around the ground, which was shared by fans and players alike, as they soaked up the Wembley stadium experience.

And believe me, having played in this final twice for Bristol City during the 80s and being a winner once, it really is an unbelievable feeling that will always live with you - a real one off!

It was also a great day for Stoke's supporters, with the Potters winning what was a close encounter 2-1, as it provided the perfect send-off for their greatest son Sir Stanley Matthews, who recently passed away.

Both sets of fans sang Abide With Me in unison before the game to commemorate the great man's memory and Stoke put the icing on the cake by paying their respects to the Wizard of the Dribble in the best possible way - by lifting what is a great trophy!

On the Essex Senior Cup: Ryman sides put on fantastic final

I watched the Essex Senior Cup final between Canvey and Purfleet at Roots Hall on Monday night, which proved that football in the county is alive and well.

Both sides put on a good show, but Canvey had that extra bit of quality and experience, inspired by ex-Blues midfielders Mark Stimson and Steve Tilson, which helped the Islanders clinch a 2-0 victory.

Just as encouraging was the fact that the main East Stand was almost full, with both sets of fans in attendance ensuring that the match was supported by a bubbly atmosphere.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.