Danny Cowley says Wembley final the 'pinnacle' for Lincoln
Wednesday 7 February 2018 12:38, UK
Danny Cowley says he realised a boyhood dream by guiding Lincoln City to their first Wembley appearance in their 133-year history with victory against Chelsea U21s in the Checkatrade Trophy.
Chelsea's U21 side were hoping to make history and become the first academy team to reach the final since the competition was revamped to include developmental squads.
In Tuesday's semi-final, Luke Waterfall gave the Imps the lead after 72 minutes at Sincil Bank but Daishawn Redan responded swiftly for Chelsea to make it 1-1, before Lincoln eventually triumphed 4-2 in the penalty shootout.
"As a young boy you dream of Wembley - it's the pinnacle," Cowley told Lincoln's official website. "This wonderful club has been alive for 133 years and they have never been to Wembley. I am really proud that we have been able to get there.
"I thought we played really well and deserved to win. I thought we pressed really aggressively, were brave without the ball and suffocated them. They struggled to get out of their half as my players worked so hard.
"At the end of the game I was wondering if it was going to be our night. I have been one game away [from Wembley] six times so I did start to wonder.
"But credit to the players - they were brilliant. The way they came back after missing the first penalty was testament to them."
Lincoln will play either Shrewsbury or Yeovil in the final at Wembley on April 8 and Cowley hopes to make it a memorable day for the club's supporters.
He said: "Our supporters have given us so much.
"I always think relationships are about give and take. We have taken a lot from them and it would be lovely to give them something back and a day out."
