BARELY seven miles separate Spennymoor and Shildon, but the emotions felt in the County Durham towns were worlds apart on Saturday evening.

For while Spennymoor were celebrating reaching the final of the FA Vase after defeating Guernsey in the second leg of their semi-final, Shildon suffered the cruelest of blows as they went out in extra-time despite a valiant effort against Tunbridge Wells.

Two goals down, the Railwaymen romped into a 3-0 lead - enough to ensure they stepped out on that halllowed turf next month (MAY).

However, a late strike from their opponents meant the scrap continued for an extra 30 minutes, their efforts in regular time eventually telling as they conceded two goals to crash out 4-3 on aggregate.

Gareth Howe, Shildon secretary, was downcast at the whistle, knowing how close they had come to setting up the prospect of an all-North-East final.

"I think everyone connected with the club is mentally drained and sick," he said. "Everyone is upset that they haven't got to Wembley and the dream has gone. I think the team gave everything it could and it played very well."

Club president, John Atkinson, had allowed his thoughts to wander as far as London HA9 when the third goal went in for his side.

"When we went 3-0 up I thought we were Wembley bound, but it proved not to be the case," he said.

"We missed several chances and the team played very well. We're terribly, terribly disappointed as this is the first time we've got this far.

"To be so near and yet so far away is devastating really."

Spennymoor were still to kick off as the tears were being wiped from the cheeks of young Shildon fans, their match having been moved to an evening kick-off.

Those gathered at Brewery Field faced an altogether different set of circumstances, looking to maintain the lead secured in the Channel Islands the week before.

Holding a 3-1 advantage from the first leg, Andy Stephenson ensured their path to the final with a goal in the last 15 minutes.

A pitch invasion marked the end of the action, with jubilant fans - young and old - mobbing their heroes.

Lifelong Spennymoor fan John Lockey, 54, used to play for the club and could barely contain his joy at the outcome.

"I've been coming to watch the team since I was ten-years-old and it's fantastic that we've got to Wembley," he said. "This is the stuff of childhood dreams and to be able to watch Spennymoor walk out at Wembley is great."

Though they are not likely to have things all their own way in May, Mr Lockey said he was confident of the outcome.

"We expect to win the Vase too," he said. "It's exciting and it's a great boost for the town."

Fellow fan, Ray Fell, 60, of Spennymoor, echoed those sentiments.

"I'm proud of the team for getting to the final. I'd like to think they can win it and it is great for the area," he said.

Another fan, Paul Brockett summed matters up, saying: "We just seemed to have the luck to get through to the final."

Luck or not, it's Spennymoor who will walk up Wembley Way. Neighbours Shildon, deserted by the fabled Lady, will have to wait until next year.