Johnstone's Paint Cup Final: 1st April 2007

I never thought I'd see the day: Donny playing at the Millennium stadium in Cardiff.

The excitement was at bubbling-over point and meant that the car erupted in to random shouts of 'ROVERS!' and 'Come On You Reds', on our way from London.

Arriving in Newport at the time when I would normally be waking up, we caught the train to Cardiff Central.

Entering the Millennium Stadium was like stepping through a portal to another world. So far was this from what I was used to seeing Donny play at that I was left standing in an awed silence.

At 1pm, after excitement in the stands had reached a new high, the game commenced. One minute into the first half and Forte brought home the first goal, causing all Donny supporters to explode into unintelligible yells and half-formed songs of joy before settling, in unison, onto 'YORK-SHIRE, YORK-SHIRE, YORK-SHIRE!'

The elation had just dissipated when, at 4 minutes, the Heffinator pelted a second ball into the net.
As one, the Donny fans leapt into the air. Once again, the cries of 'YORK-SHIRE' drowned out any opposition the Bristol fans could muster, before dissolving into the, inevitable, 'We've Got Paul Heffernan!'

Into the second half and disaster struck, the Afro Goal Machine was stretchered off the pitch when he snapped his Achilles tendon. The loss wounded the rest of the team's morale and a penalty in Bristol's favour lead to them stealing a goal from between Sullivan's fingers.

Less than fifteen minutes later, another goal wound it's way passed Sully and the Donny supporters sank into depression as the Bristol end exploded into cheers.

As a last ditch attempt to claw back the game, Sean Thornton was substituted on and a feeble 'We love Sean Thornton' rose then quickly died from the back of the North Stand.
We were too disheartened to cheer.

The game ended at two all and, as the first half of extra time commenced, the crowd, as one, held their breath.

The first half passed to no avail but spirits were lifted as Green-o forced a good save out of Bristol's goalie, Phillips.

The second half came and nerves set into both sides as the crowd realised that both teams were tired and lagging.

That was until Spike rose highest to meet Thornton's inswinging corner and thudded a header into the Bristol net, causing the Donny side to burst into shouts of unbelievable joy.

The referee signalled the end of the match and ear-splitting screams of elation rose from the Donny end.

As the victorious Donny team lined up to collect the trophy and medals, the Bristol fans walked out, dejected.

Graeme Lee thrust the trophy into the air; fireworks burst out from behind the team and Song 2 by Blur roared into life from huge speakers.
The crowd went wild.

Walking back from Newport station to the car one statement could sum up how the party was feeling: 'We'll be hoarse tomorrow.'

SSBA