Chandler's tears of pride

Whitley Bay win 3-2 on aggregate

The FA Carlsberg Vase
Semi-Final second leg
3pm, Saturday 4 April 2009
Crown Meadow, Lowestoft Town FC
Winners will receive £7,000 from The FA

Victorious Whitley Bay manager Ian Chandler admits he was overcome with emotion at the prospect of leading his team out at Wembley in The FA Carlsberg Vase Final.

The north-east side battled to a 1-1 draw against Lowestoft in the Semi-Final, triumphing 3-2 on aggregate in the tie.

Leon Ryan struck the all important 13th minute goal for the Seahorses, and Chandler broke down in tears when the referee signalled full time.

"When the final whistle went I was standing in the dugout and I just started crying," said an emotional Chandler.

"It's the strangest feeling in the world and I don't think it has quite sunk in yet.

"Everyone was emotionally drained and worn out but it was fantastic in the dressing room after the game - there were so many smiles."

Chandler added: "The performance was fantastic, from both teams.

"The lads worked so hard and I think they deserved the win. We're just so pleased to have finally made it to The Final."

Whitley had to play much of the match with 10 men after Lee Kerr was sent-off for a dangerous first-half tackle, but Chandler insists the striker's actions were out of character:

"If anyone knows Lee Kerr he is the most mild-mannered chap you could meet. Maybe he came of the ground a little bit in the tackle, but the defender perhaps made a meal of it."