DAYS like Saturday are the sort that dreams are made of for football fans. Chief Reporter CATHERINE PRIESTLEY boarded one of the many coaches heading to London.

FROM the crack of dawn Spennymoor Town fans had one thing on their minds, going to Wembley to bring home the FA Carlsberg Vase.

They filled the town centre, piled onto more than 20 coaches and just after 6.30am a row of buses filed out of town and were on the Wembley way.

Before they knew it the impressive Wembley arch rose from the horizon and the Moors' date with destiny had arrived.

Spirits were high and the drinks were flowing in the build up to the match, the sound of fans warming up their voices to roar for the Moors filled bars and beer gardens and just before kick-off the fans filed into the national stadium.

Wembley is spectacular and to step inside and see the Spennymoor town crest flying high from the rafters brought a lump to the throat.

Throughout the 90 minutes the lads in black and white dominated and despite being outnumbered by Tunbridge Wells in the stands, the pride and passion of Spennymoor supporters could not be beaten.

The fact their side could not beaten either, and lifted the silverware, made this the undoubtable highlight of an incredible season.

Michael Clarey and Rachel Waterhouse took children Robson, nine, and Mia-Jo, seven.

Mr Clarey said: "It brought a tear to my eye reading what (manager) Jason Ainsley had to say before the game, to see him managing our town's team is special.

"It's quite a day out and brilliant that the club made it possible for families to go, with travel for £20."

Andrew Thompson, of Newton Aycliffe, travelled to the game with son, Connor, nephew, Ben Mackenzie, nine, and dad, John Thompson, of West Cornforth.

He said: "A nice aspect is what a family day out it has been, different generations enjoying the occasion together."

Paul Goundry and son Regan, nine, of Middlestone Moor, toured Wembley stadium last year.

"I never imagined I'd be back here seeing our town team play," said Regan.

Mr Goundry added: "It was a very special occasion, a brilliant atmosphere."

Spennymoor town mayor George Tolley said: "There have been so many people seeing old friends who went to school together, used to live in Spennymoor, but moved away and enjoyed getting together to follow the team and share the atmosphere."

Along with bringing together a community, following the Moors saw other football rivalries set aside with Newcastle, Sunderland and Middlesbrough fans joining forces for the day.

As player Michael Laws pointed out as he boarded the team bus on Friday: "If a football fan from this region wants to reach Wembley they're best off following non league."

Spennymoor Town Councillor, John Marr said: "You can still tell the Sunderland fans, they're the ones who won't wear a black and white Spennymoor shirts but we're all proud Moors fans today.

"I've followed them for 70 years, they've made a lot of old people very happy."

So often North-East supporters experience the agony of the beautiful game, for Spennymoor on Saturday it was all about the ecstasy.