For thousands of Southend United supporters Sunday April 7^th 2013 will never be forgotten. It was of course the day the mighty shrimpers played in their first ever cup final at Wembley stadium.

It was also a special day for our sports team at Southend Hospital Radio, as although we provide full match commentary on every home game, we had never before covered a match away from Roots Hall.

Southend United FC at Wembley

We travelled up by train along with hoards of other excited fans. On arrival at Wembley we made our way to the media entrance. We were then escorted by security up several floors in a lift and through a maze of corridors. Finally we were shown to our seats. Wow what a view! We were seated at the back of the main stand, about a third of the way up the many tiers of this grand stadium. In front of us the vast lush Wembley pitch and to our right hand side were around thirty two thousand Southend United supporters. The noise the blues fans made was phenomenal. We even had a TV monitor by our seats showing us action replays and the hospitality of the Wembley staff was superb.

Shame about the result (we lost 2-0} but it didn’t detract too much from what was otherwise a magnificent day.

Southend United at Wembley – April 2013

Having supported the blues for the best part of forty years, just being part of this historic day was a fantastic experience in itself. But to have the honour and privilege of commentating on the game for Southend Hospital Radio made it extra special. Without a doubt it was one of the best days of my life and a truly incredible experience that I will never ever forget.

Wembley Stadium – April 2013

Keep the faith.

David Alexander Gordon (match day commentator)