Daydream believers

But the man who led Wimborne Town to Wembley glory back in 1992 reckons the key to beating AFC Sudbury at St Andrews lies not so much in the golden boots of 75-goal Andy Forbes as in the psyche of the City boys.

The midfield warhorse, still dishing out crunching tackles for Eastleigh at the age of 37, felt it was the Magpies' confidence and character that undid holders and favourites Guiseley 53 under the shadow of the famous twin towers.

He said: "We had a few lads who could play a bit, but the key to winning the Vase was that we really wanted it.

"It's in big games like this that players become players and, although we weren't a particularly good footballing side, we had great characters in the team.

"Mark Allan was a confident lad and people like Andy Taplin, Nicky Bridle and Tommy Killick wanted it badly. If you looked anywhere around the dressing room, you could say 'winner, winner, winner'.

"We all believed in ourselves and our confidence rubbed off on each other. My advice to the Winchester lads is not to get overawed by it. I wasn't nervous for one minute that day - I was too busy concentrating on winning.

"If City go to Birmingham with that attitude they'll have a great chance.

"Experienced players like Gary Green and Mark Blake are going to be massive for them, not only out on the park but in instilling confidence into the younger lads."

Goals by Jamie Sturgess (2), Killick (2) and Richardson upset the odds as Alex Pike's Wimborne became the first and, thus far, only Wessex League side to lift lower nonLeague's equivalent of the FA Cup.

"Technically and abilitywise Guiseley were a better side than we were, but we worked really hard as a team," said Richardson. "We didn't rely on anyone in particular. We had no 40-goal a season man. I was the top scorer with 27, we shared them around.

"Mark Allan was our top Vase scorer from midfield and defender Trevor Ames scored a couple in the semifinal. Everybody played their part. We shone as a team."

If Winchester do go all the way and join Wimborne among the Vase-winning elite, Neil Hards's men can expect some fun times ahead.

Richardson laughed: "Everything that happened to us was just like winning the FA Cup.

"We had a police escort from our hotel to the stadium and the coach went straight down the Wembley tunnel. We walked out onto the pitch beforehand and there video crews doing coverage of the match.

"After we'd won, we went up to the royal box and Jack Charlton presented me with the trophy.

"We did a lap of honour - well half a lap, because they only used part of the stadium - and then celebrated with champagne in the Wembley bar.

"When we got back to Wimborne we drank a lot more and then we did the opentop bus tour of the town with the Vase.

"Everywhere we went there were champagne receptions and we had loads of attention from women!

"It was great, but then after a month it all stopped and life went back to normal.

"It's an experience I'll never forget.

"If ever I'm feeling low, I'll pop the video out and it's quality.

"In football terms winning the Vase kickstarted my career. I was 25 at the time and it got me a name and chance to move onto bigger and better clubs."

Richardson played against Winchester in a preseason friendly with Southern League outfit Newport last summer after City had just been promoted from the Hampshire League.

He said: "They beat us - and rightly so. I thought at the time that they'd win the Vase and Wessex League - and some of their best players like Gary Green weren't even playing that day.

"They're outstanding going forward, but a lot will depend on how they defend. That's the only little question mark I'd have.

"Mind you, Winchester's attacking policy is no bad thing. It's worked for teams a higher level. When Man United were at their best, if Aston Villa scored three, they'd score four. You do what you have to do."

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