THE result might not have been what they were hoping for, but thousands of Stockton Town fans still celebrated in the sunshine yesterday as their side played at Wembley.

Stockton, who recently finished sixth in the Northern League, lost 1-0 to Thatcham Town in the final of the FA Vase.

Around 4,500 supporters made the long journey from Teesside to London, and they were rewarded by a spirited performance that almost saw Stockton claw their way back onto level terms during a dramatic second half.

Trailing to a controversial first-half penalty that was converted by Shane Cooper-Clark, Stockton spent most of the second period camped in their opponents’ half, but were unable to claim an equaliser.

Nevertheless, the Wembley appearance was still a triumph for a club that did not have a men’s team ten years ago, and that lost their first nine games of the season.

Stockton boss Micky Dunwell said: “It’s disappointing, but we’re proud of what we’ve achieved. To bring 4,500 fans and walking out in that stadium is something I’ll always remember.

“It’s been superb, if you can’t enjoy this you shouldn’t be in football, the whole place is just unbelievable.

“Coming in on the bus into the stadium, it’s huge. To walk through into the changing rooms where every individual has a picture up and messages from their families, they won’t forget that.

“Walking out onto that pitch is fantastic.”