SOME people thought it was all over after the England v Germany game earlier this month

But when Wembley opened its famous doors one last time the Lancashire Evening Telegraph Sports Editor NEIL BRAMWELL was one of the lucky few to be given a chance to play beneath the Twin Towers before the bulldozers move in.

IN A recent poll, Geoff Hurst's 'They Think It's All Over' goal in the World Cup final was rightly voted as Wembley's greatest ever moment.

It narrowly squeezed Paul Gascoigne's flick over Colin Hendry during the England versus Scotland Euro 96 clash into second place.

But the survey was fatally flawed.

It did not include the latest piece of genuine class witnessed on the hallowed turf in a game which, for those involved, carried no less importance.

Graham Walsh's 35-yard chip over Neil Dewhurst to open the scoring in the 1-1 draw between Waldo's Wonders and Farleys Solicitors will never receive the same plaudits as the exploits of Hurst and Gascoigne.

As a moment of footballing magic, though, there was a strong argument for inclusion amongst the elite.

Walsh, who was once given an extended trial at Manchester City but was rejected by John Bond and told that he would never make a footballer, picked the ball up in midfield, looked up and floated the ball over Nelson, who claimed to have received some misplaced advice from full back Mark Stewart that the effort was sailing harmlessly over.

An embellished version of the goal description has been repeated ad nauseum since Friday afternoon to anyone who would listen to the 38-year-old Walsh.

And I'm afraid that friends, relatives, neighbours and perfect strangers will have to endure similar descriptions of their personal highlights of a cherished afternoon from the other 36 players involved.

My own contribution to Wembley folklore is perhaps somewhat limited. But I don't think anyone will have ever screamed quite so animatedly at a member of his own side, as when Jon Taylor, son of Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor, chose to ignore my devious late run to the back post with the goal at my mercy.

In my defence, a pulled calf muscle in the final five minutes of the last practice match meant that the rest of my contribution was restricted to waddling aimlessly and gracelessly, but very painfully, around Wembley's open spaces -- much the same as like David Beckham usually does for England.

Others, however, will be recounting more meaningful moments. Taylor himself equalled Walsh's opener with a low shot after being fed through by Kieran O'Connor in the second quarter of the game.

Repeated use of the pitch for these games had turned the hallowed turf into a peat bog and players had been warned that screw-in studs would not be allowed in their boots for fear of further damage. That ruling was reversed before kick-off, a shame for Paul Corrigan, a prolific scorer for Barnoldswick, who had evidently left his shooting boots at home despite hitting the bar from a quickly taken free kick.

Greg Boyes was inches away from another stunning goal when his half-volley sizzled marginally over after a fluent Farleys move.

Team-mate Jon Bridge will also be ruing the lack of a Russian linesman when you need him after, with Wembley glory beckoning, he smashed a shot against the underside of the bar but on the wrong side of the line.

But the choker of the day was without doubt reserved for Matt Finley who, with seconds remaining, rose like a salmon (poached) only to slice his header nearer to the San Siro than the Twin Towers' goal.

In general, a draw was an acceptable result as the greater experience of former Burnley star Colin Waldron's side, which included former pros such as Ian Robertson, Phil Hammond, Paul Round, Dave Bradford and Alan Waldron, allowed them to settle the quicker.

But the younger legs of the Farleys team produced a stronger finish to an energy sapping game and, in the final quarter particularly, carve the clearer chances.

With each slot, sold by Wembley following the England versus Germany finale and before the bulldozers move in, costing £22,000 (double that under floodlights), the number of players was kept deliberately high in order to reduce individual expense, resulting in a game of four equal periods and constantly changing line-ups.

And while the obvious thrill came from actually retracing the steps of footballing history, Wembley made sure the whole package was equally memorable.

The two teams lined up in the tunnel before entering the pitch to recorded roars of a real Wembley crowd, which continued throughout the game and rose in volume for goals, near misses...and when players in goal-scoring positions were callously disregarded.

The national anthem was sung in front of the Royal Box before team photos. Both sides climbed the steps to the box at the end of the game where Her Majesty The Queen, looking a bit worse for wear it has to be said, allowed us to lift the FA Cup and presented us with a commemorative medal.

To add one final touch of authenticity, Wembley also kept their customary prices at £3.30 for a bottle of beer following the obligatory champagne in the communal bath.

That was the end of the frivolities, though, and the wives and girlfriends waiting at home will be pleased to hear that the energy-sapping game meant that everyone returned to the hotel for an early night.

And, if you believe that, you'll believe that Graham Walsh will never mention his moment of glory ever again!