THREE years ago today, Craig Robinson secured Warrington Town’s greatest ever victory, writes Sam May.

On this day in 2014 the now 35-year-old plasterer netted to send the lowest ranked team in the FA Cup into the second round of the competition for the first time in the club's 65-year-history, and wrote himself into the town's folklore.

Warrington Guardian:

League Two side Exeter City made the 236-mile road trip to Cantilever Park on a cold Friday night.

The draw had pitted them against a real unknown, and potential “banana skin”.

The long drive up the M5 and M6 from Devon wasn’t the best preparation, but they were League Two, and professionals. Warrington were a Northern Premiership Division One side and some 100 places below the men from St James Park.

Warrington Town's preparation was somewhat different to that of their opponents.

Once the draw had been made and a full house of 2,400 signed off by the council’s health and safety men, it was all about logistics.

Warrington’s average gate of 200 paying punters was easy to administer. A 2,400 capacity meant tickets had to be printed, allocated and paid for. A crowd control company had to come in and not only suggest the best way to manage the crowd safely, but also to physically administer the situation so as to ensure the safety of the crowd and the players.

Great problems to have for the chairman Toby Macormac, but problems nevertheless.

The BBC earmarked the game for live coverage - TV monies to be “mana from heaven” but again all of the media men and their equipment had to be taken care of logistically.

Warrington Guardian:

Warrington Guardian:

It was all brewing up for a potential cup upset - Friday night football, cold, locals all excited and anticipating what just might be.

All the time this was going on the then Warrington Town manager Shaun Reid, the brother of former England international legend Peter, was plotting a game plan to frustrate the Grecians.

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Town's centre back Craig Robinson, cousin of the then MK Dons manager Carl Robinson, was plastering by day and training by night.

No doubt his cousin wished him well. Neither could expect what was about to happen.

Warrington were the centre of the FA Cup footballing world for a few hours, under the Friday night lights. Could there be an upset?

Robinson, now reflecting on the unforgettable night for the Yellows, said: “There was a lot of hype and build-up towards the game, especially with it being live on TV on a Friday night."

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He recalls manager Shaun Reid’s pep talk ahead of the game.

“Reidy was great with us, he said go out there and do your families proud, have no regrets and enjoy the game," he said.

“It was great to walk out to a full house knowing they were all behind us. It wasn’t something we were used to, it was a great atmosphere under the floodlights.”

Robinson netted in the seventh minute for the Yellows, and believes the work done before the game on the training ground paid off on the pitch.

“We knew chances may be limited and any corners we got we’d have to make the most of,” he said.

“We worked on corners in training so I knew the ball was going to be delivered into the six-yard box.

"I'd seen there was space at the front post so made my run. The delivery was quality from Manno (David Mannix).

"All I tried to do was flick the ball on but lucky for me it was quite crowded and made its way into the net with me getting the slightest of touches.”

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The defender says he couldn’t believe the ball hit the back of the net.

“I had fell to the floor and only seen the ball hit the net so I didn’t know I’d scored but ran off to Mannix celebrating," he said.

"It wasn’t until all the lads were jumping on me that I realised it was me that scored.”

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Robinson says it was nervous towards the end of the match and he was delighted his side could finally get the result over the line.

“There was a surreal moment towards the end of the game that sticks out and I will always remember," he said.

"We got a free kick and the game stopped for a few seconds and I was walking back into position.

“I looked at the crowd who were cheering us on, then up to the TV cameras and sky, thinking to myself we're winning 1-0 in the FA Cup first round and I have scored the goal - it spurred me on for the final minutes,” he said.

He adds: “My emotions after the game was relief.

"As a team, we were dead on our feet.

"After hearing the final whistle, the scenes after the game will live with me forever.

Warrington Guardian:

Warrington Guardian:

Warrington Guardian:

"The crowd invaded the pitch, jumping all over us, and I didn’t know or see where my family was during the game then all of a sudden I saw my dad running towards me in tears with all the family behind him.

"It was a special moment. They’ve been there through all the highs and lows, so it was special to celebrate with them!

"When I got back to the dressing room which was still bouncing, all the squad, staff and chairman Toby were there jumping all over each other, hugging each other, celebrating again, it is something I will never forget.”

He concludes: “I may have scored the goal which some people will say it was a fluke but the memories that will stick with me most is that surreal moment towards the end of the game, hugging my dad after the game, seeing the smile on his face, celebrating with my family, and the scenes in the dressing room with all the staff and my teammates. Jumping all over each other, celebrating the magic of the FA Cup.”

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All pictures by Mike Boden