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Wembley Win Remembered

Twenty years since victory over Torquay

22 May 2018

Warren Page
Club News

Wembley Win Remembered

Twenty years since victory over Torquay

22 May 2018

Twenty years ago on Tuesday, Colchester United were celebrating victory in their third visit to the historic twin towers of Wembley.

The U's had had mixed fortunes on their prior visits, beating Witton Albion in the FA Trophy in 1992, before losing out to Carlisle United on penalties in 1997.

Steve Wignall's side had seen off Barnet 3-2 in the play-off semi-finals, with a 3-1 win at Layer Road overturning a first leg deficit to earn a place at Wembley.

David Gregory had scored a brace in the second leg against the Bees, grabbing the crucial goal in extra time, and he was on the mark at Wembley, too.

After Steve Forbes' ball into the box had been pulled up for handball, Gregory kept his calm to slot home his penalty past Matt Gregg to open the scoring.

The Torquay side featured former Col U man Paul Gibbs along with the dangerous Rodney Jack up front, but they couldn't find a way past the resilient U's back line in the remainder of the game.

And, in front of nearly 20,000 people on a Friday night at Wembley, the U's held on to secure promotion to Division Two.

The story of the 1998 fixture will be one of many to feature in the match programme during the course of the 2018/19 season - you can get a match programme as part of your ticket purchase, so don't miss out.

U's v Torquay: Emberson, Dunne, Betts, Skelton (Duguid 82), Greene, D. Gregory, Wilkins, Buckle, Forbes, Sale, N. Gregory (Lock 70)

Sub not used: Abrahams

Attendance: 19,486


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