GARETH OWEN remembers the defensive heroics that helped Wrexham pull off a famous upset.

Arsenal dominated the first half and eventually took the lead just before the break but the Gunners failed to put the game to bed.

Wrexham were still in the contest and Mickey Thomas equalised before Steve Watkin’s 84th minute winner left Brian Flynn’s side on the brink of a major upset.

Just as they had to throughout the contest, Wrexham were put under increased pressure as Arsenal pushed for an equaliser in a bid to avoid a cup shock but the battling Reds held firm.

“The game was a bit surreal,” said midfielder Owen, who was a product of Wrexham’s youth policy and in the early stages of a 12 year stint as a professional at the club.

“The manager was brilliant and he told us to enjoy it.

“There was no pressure on us whatsoever with where they were and where we were, nothing was expected of us.

“My memories of the match are pretty much a blur but we had to defend for our lives after Steve scored.

“We had to put our bodies on the line, but we had to defend like that all over the pitch for the whole game against a great team.”

Thomas put Wrexham back on level terms with a well executed free-kick and Owen was just hoping to take the tie to a replay until Watkin popped up with the winner.

“I thought it would be great if we could hold on and get a draw for a replay at Highbury,” said Owen. “What an experience that would have been. There have been shocks since then but not as big as that.

“Along with what was happening at the club in the 1970s and 80s, it was one of the greatest days in the club’s history.

“Fans who were there will remember the day and have some fantastic memories.

“With the promotion in the 92-93 season and the cup runs, that ranks as one of the great memories of my time at Wrexham.”