They were the good old days, the "Warnock Era" was in full flow. The first visit to Wembley the year before had resulted in a glorious 2-0 victory against Tranmere Rovers in front of 30,000. This time Notts County were cheered on by 23,000 travelling fans.
The team was full of legends who loved the club and had so much pride .The team had everything a successful team needs to have; a solid goalkeeper - Steve Cherry; two big strong centre halves - Dean Yates and Craig Short; two legendary fullbacks - Alan Paris and Sir Charlie Palmer; a leader on the pitch - captain Phil Turner; an anchor man - Don O'Riordan and play-makers - Dean Thomas and Mark Draper.
The strike-force was just what past managers have not managed for Notts in a long time. A big target man - Dave Regis - who is good with their feet and a 20-goal man the legendary (Ooooh) Tommy Johnson!
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That day the front two did the damage were Tommy Johnson when he glanced home a header into the bottom corner of the goal from a corner on the 30 minute mark.
The goal was against the run of play. Brighton had taken the game to Notts County but had not tested Steve Cherry.
It took till after the break for Notts to double their lead this time Tommy J used his trusty left foot to full effect and drived it into the bottam corner- his 21st of the season.
Brighton hit back immediately with Clive Walker and Dean Wilkins hitting the woodwork. Luck was with Notts’ that day.
The Magpies were getting tighter at the back as the game went on. The big man Regis finished the emphatic victory by chesting the ball over the line on the 71st minutes as Notts were in cruise control.
The Notts fans were jubilant. The Wheelbarrow anthem could be heard underneath the twin towers. Brighton finally got a consolation goal from Wilkins in the final minute but this game belonged to Neil Warnock, it belonged to the Magpie faithful.
They would travel to Giants Liverpool and Man Utd next season. This was County's arguably finest 90 minutes in all their history. This was a triumph to Notts spirit and teamwork.
Notts were back in the big time !!! Maybe it will be our turn for success at the top of the table again next season, who knows?