Goalscorer Clayton proud to help his local team win Football League Trophy

Eleven months ago, Max Clayton was a late substitute for his close pal Nick Powell in the League Two Play-Off Final. He nearly scored that day as Crewe defeated Cheltenham Town 2-0 to clinch promotion. This afternoon, Clayton scored a decisive second goal just minutes into the second half to put Crewe firmly in the driving seat against Southend. Clayton's all round performance, hard work for the cause and clever play saw him named as the sponsors' Man-of-the-Match.

The local lad told the club's official web-site: "It was a great day for everyone associated with the club. To come to Wembley twice in a year and to win both games is just unbelievable really. The team have done really well and I was just pleased to play my part in it. I was on the bench last time for the play-offs and that was an incredible experience but today was something else.

"To start at Wembley and to win and to get a goal as well, is just everything you dream about. I just remember that Byron did brilliantly and drew the goalkeeper and I thought it was taken an age to come to me but I hit it right and it was a great feeling. I don't remember the celebration I was all over the place with it. You cannot explain it.

"It gave us a cushion and we needed it because Southend put us under a lot of pressure at times and we had to defend well to keep them out. The defenders were superb for us. It is just great to win and it has been a fantastic year for everyone.

"The players wanted to do something for Duggy after what happened. You cannot out into words what he and Nicola are having to deal with. We wanted to win for them and make sure Duggy knew how much we missed him around the training ground and dressing room. He is a such a likeable member of the squad and you know when he is not here with us because he is one of our leaders."