Saturday 3rd April 1999 was an incredible day for the fans of Cheltenham Town Football Club. Over 6,300 people (a conference record at the time) saw a top of the table clash that ultimately shaped the outcome of the season.

Few within the ground would have any idea of the drama that would unfold during the 90 minutes of this historic game. Some class this contest as the greatest in the metroric rise of the Robins, better than the FA Trophy win at Wembley and the two playoff triumphs at the Millennium Stadium. Many thought the game was over at the 89 minute mark, but Mark 'Boka' Freeman and the legendary Neil Grayson had other ideas.

The contest to seize the initiative in the race to join the Football League was an intriguing affair. Forget Manchester United and Arsenal, the queues which stretched around all four sides of Neane Park in rural Northamptonshire said it all.

A carnival atmosphere, generated by masses of streamers, blow horns and party hats, reflected an expectant crowd of 6,312, all dolled up for this meeting of non-League goliaths.

The occasion had clearly got to the home side as they tried to force an early goal. In the 12th minute, Darren Collins, their leading scorer, saw his firm header whistle past the post following a Carl Heggs run and cross. Collins' strike partner, Miguel De Souza, a bargain buy from Peterborough United, threatened constantly with pace and power and he provided Rushden's first goal 10 minutes later. Darren Bradshaw floated in a free-kick from his own half which Guy Branston cushioned down for De Souza to drill home from six yards.

The visitors almost restored parity on the half-hour when Dennis Bailey fed Michael Duff, whose bullet-shot cannoned off the outside of the post.

With Rushden's resolute defence surviving Cheltenham's second-half onslaught, the match appeared to be heading for a home-side victory. However, just as the vociferous travelling support forced their way to the exits, Mark Freeman, the substitute, and Neil Grayson plundered two priceless goals in the final minute to complete a memorable turnaround. First, Freeman headed home a Duff cross to send Cheltenham into raptures before Grayson's injury-time goal settled the match.

From theindependent.co.uk