GOLDEN memories of the day York City reigned supreme at Wembley were re-lived today by two men at the heart of the 1993 play-off triumph.

It was ten years ago today that the Minstermen conjured up victory on their baptism in the sun-dappled shadows beneath the Twin Towers. They beat Crewe Alexandra in a penalty shoot-out to end en engrossing encounter that still stirs the pulses today.

Paul Stancliffe, the current head of City's youth development, was then City's skipper and duly led the procession up the legendary 39 steps to collect the trophy that rewarded arguably the Minstermen's greatest knockout day with promotion to the Second Division.

Stancliffe remains the only player from that May 29, 1993 day of destiny still employed at Bootham Crescent a decade on. But the recollection of it all remains as undimmed.

Stancliffe told the Evening Press: "It ranks as joint number one in my footballing career alongside when I skippered Sheffield United on the first day of their return to the old First Division against Liverpool."

Coincidentally Stancliffe witnessed his beloved Blades miss out on their play-off push for the Premiership three days ago when they were beaten 3-0 by Wolves at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

"Seeing that you can see what it means to the players when they miss out. But because York City won it was all the more special, particularly as we won at Wembley," he said.

"It is the dream of every young boy who starts out in football to play at Wembley. But for me to lead my team out on to that pitch is a memory I will treasure as long as I live."

Of that memorable May day in Minstermen history, Stancliffe insisted he could vividly recall every detail, revealing too that then manager Alan Little and himself agreed that had they lost to Crewe, the Minstermen would not have embarked on a lap of honour.

"We had the option, but would just get off and get out of the way," said Stancliffe.

"But we were never tested because we came through and I think that's because we approached it the right way. We jut did not want to enjoy the day - we wanted to make sure we won."

Stancliffe and Little both agreed that they were 'stunned' by the reception they received on their return to York, citing the open-top bus parade as 'fantastic'.

Said Stancliffe: "It was chucking down with rain on the Sunday yet thousands of fans turned out."

Echoed Little: "It just showed what it meant to the supporters and to the city. The response was bigger than any of us anticipated. It was fantastic."

Updated: 11:23 Thursday, May 29, 2003