February 2011

The pictures were taken from the Brentford and Carlisle United dressing rooms after their memorable area final successes over Exeter City and Huddersfield Town respectively.

Brentford’s jubilant players were handed ‘We’re going to the final’ flags, which were waved in the away dressing room at St James’s Park.

Just 24 hours later, Carlisle United’s players were also being handed the official Johnstone’s Paint Trophy flags after a grueling, nerve jangling evening at the Galpharm Stadium.

Despite losing 3-0 in Yorkshire, Greg Abbott’s men refused to dampen down their celebrations and who could blame them?

Few teams would have fancied a two legged affair against The Terriers, so a 4-3 aggregate victory is an accomplishment to savour.

Abbott said: “The attitude of the players was magnificent and it's no small feat. The players deserve a well done."

“We battered them at our place, but we got a bit more of that treatment in the second leg.

"We did get a bullying at times, but go through their team, look at the quality they've got in their team.

"We've had a massive amount of determination, and that is what has got us through."

Brentford’s caretaker manager Nicky Forster was similarly jubilant and praised his players for their character to take the game to Exeter City on their own patch.

“"It's a fantastic achievement and the players deserve the credit, they really do. They probed us a bit in the second half and asked some questions. But on the night I thought we were worthy winners."

The Johnstone’s Paint Trophy will take place on Sunday April 3, when one set of final flags will boast an even more euphoric message for one jubilant team.

Johnstone’s. Bringing colour to the beautiful game.