A MOMENTOUS afternoon at Spotland ended with scenes of unbridled joy on Saturday as Rochdale secured a maiden appearance at Wembley.

Victory in the League Two play-off semi-finals over Darlington was secured via the nerve-jangling experience that is the penalty shoot-out.

Fortunately, the five coolest heads in the packed venue were the spot-kick takers in black and white, Ben Muirhead making it five out of five in emphatic fashion to clinch a rollercoaster tie after Tommy Lee had saved Jason Kennedy’s effort.

Now, come Bank Holiday Monday, a club that for so long bore the tag of unfashionable also-rans will feast at the table of kings.

The victory sets up a mouthwatering final against Greater Manchester neighbours Stockport County at Wembley.

Muirhead’s decisive kick on Saturday prompted a mass pitch invasion the like of which had not been seen since 1969, the only occasion in Dale’s history the club has been promoted. Players, directors and supporters joined together in rousing choruses proclaiming ‘We’re going to Wem-ber-ley’ – and now you’d better believe them!

"It was an emotional day, and not just for me and the lads," said manager Keith Hill. "You shouldn’t be afraid to show your emotions – it was a great day and it epitomised what we’re all about and how far we’ve come in such a small space of time.

"We don’t live in hope – we want to do it all again at Wembley. These are memories the lads will have for the rest of their lives and it was great we could all do it together on Saturday, but we want to do it all again at Wembley.

"We talk about making our own history and creating history for other people to talk about. History doesn’t interest me – I did it at school and I used to fall asleep. This club shouldn’t be seen as a small club.

"We are nurturing a very good young squad here and we want to be successful.

"That’s how ambitious the players and the coaching staff are.

"We want to be ambitious and we want to get into League One. That’s our aim now."

There will be no changes to Hill’s preparations for the final – "We’ll stick to what we know best and what we know works for us" – before travelling down to London on Sunday.

"We had been offered different scenarios for our preparation," said Hill.

"But we want to do what we do best. It’s not a circus, it’s very much business and you can get lost in the occasion and not play the game."

The club has lodged a formal appeal against David Perkins’ sending off in the semi-final second leg. The midfielder was harshly dismissed for an innocuous challenge on Ricky Ravenhill.

If the red card is upheld, Perkins will be suspended for Monday’s showpiece occasion. A decision is expected during the next 24 hours.

Assistant manager David Flitcroft lost his mobile phone during Saturday’s excitement and has issued a plea for its safe return.

Not only does the phone have many important contact numbers, but on a personal note there are over 150 messages of condolence to David and and his family which were sent after his father died.

If anyone can help facilitate the return of Flicker’s mobile phone, please contact club press officer Mike Brookes on 01706 644648 or Richard Partington at the Observer on 01706 354321 ext 325.