FA Trophy Semi-Final, Second Leg - 4/4/98 - The Crabble Athletic Ground
Cheltenham travelled across to Kent, knowing that a draw would be good enough to take them to Wembley after a thrilling 2-1 win at Whaddon Road in the first leg. Jason Eaton had scored twice as the Robins came from behind to overcome Gerald Dobbs' early opener for Dover.
Already one goal to the good, Cheltenham made a dream start to the second leg when Dale Watkins, who had been outstanding all season, put his side ahead after six minutes. There was a carnival atmosphere in the away end as Robins fans envisaged their heroes walking out of the tunnel and playing in the shadows of the famous twin towers for the first time.
Things were to get even better for Steve Cotterill's men before half-time as Eaton picked the perfect moment to net his 100th goal for Cheltenham to make it 2-0. Eaton's 33rd minute strike had a touch of good fortune about it, but it appeared to be the goal that would ensure a place in the final as Cheltenham led 4-1.
However, the second half was a different story and Dover showed great fighting spirit to claw their way back into the tie. They produced two goals in quick succession, both of the highest quality and suddenly Cheltenham found themselves up against it.
First Neil Le Bihan unleashed a stunning left foot shot that curled around the outstretched arms of keeper Steve Book. Eight minutes later, John Budden
scored another spectacular goal and suddenly there were some worried faces among the travelling contingent.
Cheltenham managed to stop the Lilywhites' mini goal of the season competition and no further goals followed. Paul Durkin blew the whistle to end the tension and the Robins had made history.
Cotterill and his men showed the utmost respect for their defeated opponents after the game, shaking hands and walking off the pitch in a sensible manner. Cotterill did not want his side whooping in the tunnel and rubbing it in devastated Dover's faces.
After a short spell in the changing rooms, Cotterill and his team re-emerged to great scenes of jubilation and the reality began to set in that after 106 years of underachievement, Cheltenham would be playing in their first major final.
Dover Athletic (0) 2 (Le Bihan 70, Budden 78)
Cheltenham Town (2) 2 (Watkins 6, Eaton 33).
Dover: Mitten (Davies 46), Munday, Palmer, Budden, Shearer, Stebbing, Dobbs (Jones 68), Strouts, Ayorinde, Le Bihan, Henry.
Cheltenham: Book, Duff, Victory, Banks, Freeman, Milton (Wright 74), Howells, Walker, Eaton, Watkins, Bloomer.
Referee: P. Durkin (Portland)
Attendance: 3,240