Champions not chokers. Website reaction.

Last updated : 26 May 2003 By Michael Morris
Well, what a day, it could have been so bad but it was so good. The occasion far outweighed the nervy football match. Both teams cancelled each other out, Alexander didn't have a serious save to make, City played high balls into earnie against Shittu, who is massive and it was hard to see where a goal was going to come from.

Lennie played his trump card on 80 mins of normal time. Earnie came off (he'd not had a sniff all game) and his replacement Andy Campbell came on and the rest is history.

The 90 mins petered out and it was extra time. On the stroke of half time in extra time a Kav free kick was headed goalbound by Spencer Prior, a superb save by Day in the Rangers goal kept the scores level.

As penalties looked the only outcome Campbell popped up to score a goal the has knocked Scott Youngs winner against Leeds off the top of the most memorable list.

114 mins on the clock and Whalley played the ball over the top, Campbell raced on and from the edge of the area placed he perfect shot over the stretching fingertps of Day and into the back of the net.

The reaction from the fans was the most incredible I have ever witnessed, 35,000 supporters shaking the foiundations of the Millennium Stadium.

The remaining 6 mins past with delirious cheering City fans making the most awesome noise. The 2 mins added time went by without an effort being made on the City goal as the ball was just blasted back down the QPR end time after time.

The final whistle went and the emotional floodgates opened. A new world record was set for hugging complete strangers, singing, bouncing, cheering, crying, you name it, it was going on.

Then on the pitch man of the match Graham Kavanagh lifted the promotion trophy, the fireworks went off and the City players celebrated. We've watched for 76 years as team after team have had their stadium day out, we've seen clubs come to our City and have their day in the sun. Yesterday was our day and I'll not forget it for the rest of my life.

Comiserations to the Rangers supporters, then back their team all the way and contributed to the occasion. Good luck next season.

The day for me started at Ninian Park at 11am. A pint, a run around on the pitch and to fulfil every football fans dream a goal scored from my trusty left foot. John Bucannon move over.

There was a band playing Welsh classics like Calon Lan and Men of Harlech etc, fans had the run of the whole ground, pitch, stands and terracing. The bars and food outlets were open and a large crowd of several thousand started play off final day at the Bluebirds home.

Fans then marched to the Millennium Stadium. The sight of 35,000 City fans was incredible, before and after the game the mass of Bluebirds going up and down Wood St was just amazing.

The victory party lasted well into the evening and there will be many sore heads this morning.

So onwards and upwards, Sunderland, West Ham, West Brom, Derby, Forest etc here we come.

Click here for a gallery of pictures taken by a City fan. From Ninian park to the Millennium Stadium.