Opinion: Famous trophy will forever have a special place in Wigan

Last updated : 01 January 2014 By Paul Farrington

It seems like only yesterday that Shaun Maloney's corner kick was headed over Joe Hart and into the net by hero of the day Ben Watson.

From Callum McManaman's destruction of Gael Clichy on the flank, to Pablo Zabeleta's red card, to Ben Watson's eventual winner, it was our day.

So often down-trodden and ridiculed it was a terrific feeling to be stood in the Wigan end as Watson's header thumped into the goal.

The last time we won a trophy at Wembley we were lifting the Auto Windscreens Shield following Paul Rogers, also last minute, winner against Millwall. Ironically a game that too finished 1-0.

This time we were facing the billionnairre champions of the Premier League and we hadn't been given a hope.

The FA Cup though has different ideas. In the world of the Premier League the money men rule as over the course of 38 games the expensive global superstars have their chance to take a strangle hold on the league. The days of the underdog are largely over.

Switch over to the country's famous old cup competition and dreams live long amongst supporters that their team, no matter how lowly in the league pyramid, can cause an upset or two.

Time stood still as Watson's header hit the back of the net. A goal so late, against ten men, was possibly the only way we were going to win the game, and we did it.

The game is up there with the 3-1 win over Reading and the day we sealed promotion to the Premier League.

The whole stadium paused for a second for a sharp intake of breath. The City fans in astounding disbelief that the Latics could possibly have scored and perhaps greater disbelief between the Wigan crowd that we had, in that split second of Watson's header, seemingly won the greatest cup competition in the world.

Wigan Athletic, my club, my team, FA Cup Champions 2013. It was a moment that will live forever in the memory.

The hairs on my neck still stand on end as I so vividly re-live Watson's leap and header, Jo Hart's flailing dive, the ripple of the ball hitting the inside of the goal, and finally the noise of the Wigan crowd as it sunk in that we we're going to win the FA Cup.

Our wildest dreams had come true.

Robles, Boyce (c), Scharner, Alcaraz, Espinoza, McCarthy, McArthur, Gomez, McManaman, Kone, Maloney, and 81st minute substitute Ben Watson, managed by Roberto Martinez were the heros of the day.

The story will be re-told for all time across the borough for years to come as youthful relatives are retold the glorious moments of old when little Wigan took home the FA Cup.

Saturday's visit of MK Dons sees the defence of the famous old trophy and the message to the entire suporter base of all clubs up and down the country is that you can do it.

My club Wigan Athletic won the FA Cup and yours can too. We're 100/1 to retain the trophy, and after last year's record breaking win, there's always a chance of lightening striking twice.