It is every player's dream to play at Wembley. But the opportunity to play at your local professional stadium alongside your best mates must equal, if not better that dream.

This is what the Deepdale Cup Final meant to Bharuch Bazaar (formerly Deepdale FC) when they earned that right to participate.

A narrow semi-final victory over Avis FC proved enough to enter their 'theatre of dreams' albeit for one bright, sunny afternoon in the Spring of 1984.

This was an opportunity to play at the stadium of not only the founder members of the Football League way back in 1888, the first English champions almost a century ago but to tread on the same turf as past heroes such as Sir Tom Finney, Bill Shankly and Howard Kendall.

Bharuch Bazaar had joined the Northern Sunday League equally as one of their founder members under the name Deepdale FC.

They reminded me of the famous Liverpool side of that era and not for the all-red strip that they wore.

There was a chemistry, understanding and 'best fit' to how they performed every week.

Deepdale FC defended as one but were extremely agile and lethal in attack. Their possession football in an era where crunching tackles and heavy handedness were the norm, brought many admirers.

One such admirer was local businessman Faruk Bharucha.

His sponsorship enabled the team to continue for several years. He duly insisted on a name change to Bharuch Bazaar .

Their playing staff remained intact and was boosted by their only notable signing from Dynamoes FC of one Mohammed Akram.

I recall the squad bursting with such talent and footballing skills way ahead of their times.

In defence the mighty 6ft figure of Salim Musa alongside Adam Patel, Shahid Desai and Omar Desai proved a fortress whilst the midfield organised under the excellent leadership of Siddique Munshi oozed confidence to the rest of the team. Playmaker Mohammed Akram was instrumental in key moves whilst Yusuf 'Tiny' Patel and Suleiman Lulat provided excellent wing play, a rare feature these days.

I recall this cup final day with affection. It had all the frills accompanying these occasions that players, supporters and management are now accustomed to.

Morning buffet, tour of the stadium, opening ceremony supported by sponsors, star guests and large crowds.

Despite the high profile and local publicity very few, wives and girlfriends attended.

Despite its build up this final sadly failed to live up to expectations in comparison with other Northern Sunday League Finals.

This may possibly be due to nerves, or more accurately quality defending, and excellent organisation from both sides.

The football was played mainly in the middle of the pitch. Both defences effectively cancelled each other out and 90 minutes of huffing and puffing, much toil and perseverance brought stalemate and a 1-1 result.

These goals only coming in the last stages of the game from Haji Ahmed for Daisyfield with a close range shot and Mustak Master equalising soon after..

As we entered extra time it further continued as a dull and dour affair.

It was only towards the last 10 minutes that a further strike from Kassim Toorawa soon followed by a classy edge of area lob over goalkeeper Phil Curry by an unmarked Mohammed Akram produced a winner.

In fairness this was a fair result for all the flair and passion Bharuch Bazaar had shown throughout the season. It was all that they deserved whilst Daisyfield were left to rue missed opportunities.

For whatever reasons one may argue, this event in my opinion was unique in so far as it was the only cup final the Northern Sunday League ever staged at Deepdale.

All we have is the video images from almost a quarter of a century ago of ghostly figures showing talents long gone besides Preston North End's other Hall of Fame.