We continue our build up to Saturday's re-play of the Darlington v Mansfield 2011 Trophy final with the memories of Paul Arnison.

There were published originally in the book "In the Dying Seconds".

Before you read on, why not contribute to our Boost the Budget campaign? Follow the link here: 

https://fundraising.darlingtonfcsupportersgroup.org/pitches/boost-the-budget-20-21

If you have any Trophy memories, drop the media bunker a line on media@darlingtonfc.org

Paul Arnison – “Knowing I would be walking my kids out would be the best day of my career”

I think I had the two worst games of my Darlo career in the semi final against Gateshead. I was shocking in the first leg. I gave away the first goal after a poor header on the edge of our box from a cross and Nathan Fisher scored. I generally had a poor first half and Mark Cooper really had a go at us in the dressing room at half time and told us in no certain terms to wake up. I thought if we played like that in the second half it could have been four or five. I just apologised for giving the goal away. I don’t think anybody said anything, but I knew myself it wasn't good enough. Once we got the first and then the second goal, Gateshead seemed to go under and that was when I thought we’d got them! I'm just glad Cooper didn't take me off because he had every right to.

The second leg was a tight cagey game and I was glad when it was over. To see the joy of the Darlo fans at the final whistle was great and a massive relief to obviously get through and to play at Wembley. It was a fantastic feeling for me, because I’d never played at Wembley before in my career and this would probably be my one and only chance. I was obviously delighted with the result and what we had achieved as a team because it’s every footballer’s dream to play at Wembley and I was also delighted for the fans who had stuck with the team through the bad times under Colin Todd and then relegation under Steve Staunton.

Cooper named the team quite early in the week before the game, but kept changing people around as he wasn't sure who was going to play centre back alongside Ian Miller as we had a few injuries and lads were cup tied.

To know I was starting at Wembley was obviously great and I think it helped that the manager named his team early in the week; it sort of made me feel more relaxed. I was also playing for a new contract at the end of the season as well but I thought if this was going to be my last game as a professional footballer then I was determined to go out on a high and make it one of the best days of my life, never mind my football career!

The build up to the game was really good. I managed to get my kids as mascots and knowing I would be walking them out would be the best day of my career. I remember the day really well. I had a good sleep, I was awake from six in the morning with excitement, had breakfast, coffee and read the papers. Then I chilled out until it was time for a walk and pre match meal. We had looked around Wembley the day before so we knew what to expect and it wasn't as daunting. Chris Senior actually told me on the morning of the game that he had a dream he was going to come on and score! Once we had food and I knew my wife and kids had arrived safely at Wembley, it was time to get my suit on and prepare for the game.

There was no need to motivate myself because if you can’t get motivated for Wembley then what chance have you got! Once at Wembley it was a quick look on the pitch, said a quick few hellos to the Mansfield players I used to play with, then into the dressing room to get ready.

Before I knew it we were in the tunnel with my two boys ready to walk out - that was pretty emotional, holding their hands as we walked on to the pitch and lined up in front of the stand.

Into the game we played very well. I thought we should have won the game in normal time. Tommy Wright had a clear chance to win it right at the end and right on the final whistle for the 90 minutes I got cramp in both of my calves but there was no way I was coming off, I just played on pure adrenalin.

Into extra time I looked at the clock just as Aaron Brown was about to take the throw in and thought; “Blimey, I'm going to have to step up as a senior member of the team to take a penalty,” and then realised I missed one away to Barrow earlier in the season!

Then as if in slow motion I watched the header from Tommy Wright hit the top of the bar and then ever so slowly it dropped to Chris who nodded it in! I ran from the halfway line totally forgetting about my calves to celebrate with the lads in front of 10,000 delirious fans - it was one emotional celebration! It was one day I will remember for the rest of my life, my best day in football ever!!! A far cry from the Staunton days when I was treated like a dog but I never gave up in my beliefs and confidence and had Craig Liddle to thank for that.

There'll be more memories of that big day at Wembley later in the week.