KENDAL football hero Garry Thompson was savouring the moment this week after scoring one goal and creating the second as Morecambe won a place in the Football League on Sunday, writes Matt Donlan.
The winger was in celebratory mood after his appearance for the Shrimps against Exeter City at the new Wembley stadium in the Conference play-off final.
And now he is looking forward to being a League player with the only senior club he has ever represented after joining the Morecambe Academy as a junior.
"It is wonderful and still sinking in to be honest," said the 26-year-old. "Everyone wants to play in the League. It is the dream of any boy and I am no different."
Thompson was close to living his League dream this time last year when Bury chased his signature. The winger was close to moving to Gigg Lane but instead opted to extend his Christie Park contract.
"I thought I would get the chance if I stayed here," added Thompson. "And Sunday proved that.
"It was a great experience, not just for me but for all the lads and for the supporters as well."
Morecambe were trailing to an early goal and had missed a penalty after Barrow's favourite son Wayne Curtis saw his spot kick saved when Thompson suddenly burst into life to grab the equaliser with a crunching shot.
"I just pressurised the defender and won the ball and hit it," he said. "The keeper was off the line and it was a good goal to score."
He then created the winner with a sumptuous pass up field for Danny Carlton to score one of the best goals to grace any stadium and added: "Danny did really well - and it was a great feeling."
Of the elevation to the League Thompson said: "I don't think there is much between League Two and the Conference.
"We played at Swindon in the FA Cup this year and matched them throughout only to lose to a last minute penalty and they have been promoted. So I am sure we can do well next season."
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