A wave of FA Cup nostalgia washed over the New Bucks Head as a band of heroes returned to Telford.

Seven former players were joined by legendary boss Stan Storton and ex-chairman Gerald Smith for AFC Telford’s first round clash with Lincoln City on Saturday.

Kevin Charlton, Eddie Hogan, John Alcock, Tony Turner, Kevin Lewis and Steve Eaton were the players to take to the field once again, supported by trainer Len Lloyd.

They were all part of the 1984/85 Telford United team that defeated Lincoln in a first round replay before going on to reach the fifth round and a never-to-be-forgotten clash with Everton at Goodison.

The feelgood factor in the build-up to Saturday’s game continued as former PA Announcer Malcolm Holt picked up the microphone again to introduce the stars of the past to a near 3,000 crowd.

Holt also delighted fans with long memories as the club’s old run-out song I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles was belted out over the tannoy.

The trip down memory lane certainly made for a cracking atmosphere, and the class of 2009 made a great fist of replicating the result of a quarter of a century ago.

The Bucks eventually went down 3-1, though not before giving the Imps an almighty fright with an enterprising second half display.

“It got the crowd really whipped up,” said chairman Lee Carter. “We were quite fortunate we were drawn against Lincoln because that gave us the excuse to do the re-union and get the crowd going.

“I thought it was brilliant, it really showed the football club has got a roar in its throat. I think the former players who came along went away really pleased with their day and really feeling part of AFC Telford.

“I think we sprinkled a bit of their magic on the place on Saturday – that second half was reminiscent of 25 years ago, but it was just unfortunate it didn’t work out in the end.”

Two of Saturday’s guests – Storton and goalkeeper Charlton – were inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame last season.

Another, Eddie Hogan, is to be added to the roll of honour at this year’s Legends Night, which is being staged at the Whitehouse Hotel on Wednesday next week.

Hogan is one of four ex-players joining the exclusive list this time around, the others being Les Wilson, Neil Howarth and George Jagger.

Tickets, priced at £16 are available from Jonathan Martin on 01939-260099 or 07971-979261.