We’ll never forget these Milk Cup winning Canary heroes

(Left to right) Mick Channon, Dennis van Wijk and Louie Donowa at last night's 30th anniversary event. PHOTO: Richard Francis (Image: Archant)

I have to confess I haven't done the exact maths, but I estimate the Canaries have played more than 5500 matches since being formed in 1902.

One day when I have a few hours to spare I will calculate how many of those I've been at (and how many finger nails I've bitten off).

We all have memories of great wins, terrible defeats, amazing comebacks and never to be forgotten goals (and those at the John Smiths Stadium on Tuesday night won't forget that end in a hurry).

Next Tuesday marks a special anniversary of a match which is unique in the history of our beloved club.

March 24, 1985 was the day when the boys in yellow and green won at the home of football.

Fans may argue whether it was the greatest win ever - but for me to have triumphed at Wembley and lifted a cup is THE greatest achievement.

I was a 14-year-old starry-eyed young Canary who was among the 38,000-strong Canary Army which headed to the capital and witnessed that one-in-5500 feat.

On Friday I was a 44-year-old equally starry-eyed Canary who was among about 300 people at a dinner at Carrow Road celebrating 30 years since Dave Watson lifted that trophy.

The more I think about that win, the more I marvel at the achievements of Ken Brown's team.

He assembled a group of players who were coming towards the end of their careers, had made the step up from lower league clubs or had emerged through the ranks.

Honesty, hard work and endeavour formed the foundation of that team which did what no other Canary XI did before or has done since.

Ken, the players and journalists from the time who were at the dinner all agreed there was something very special about that group.

There was clearly a real bond between them at the time - and three decades on the spirit is still alive and well.

It was great to hear the stars of '85 re-living the magic moments on the stage at the event.

They all mixed with the supporters and couldn't have been more friendly and accommodating in signing autographs and having pictures taken.

My Mum will certainly never forget sitting on Mr Brown's knee for a photo!

Get your seatbelt on for the rollercoaster ride

After that 4-1 win at Millwall, there were plenty of fans who thought automatic promotion was a shoo-in for the Canaries.

The momentum was relentless, other rivals were slipping up and there were very winnable games coming up.

Two games and four dropped points later, the assumption is that the play-offs will be the most likely outcome for Norwich.

Watford and Middlesborough have made a dash for the line and now seem to be everyone's favourites.

Yes, those two draws against Derby and Huddersfield were disappointing.

City were by far and away the better team on Saturday and the chances - especially Jerome's late header - should have been buried. But we didn't lose and give an advantage to a fellow contender - and Derby then went on to lose on Tuesday.

A win was really necessary at the John Smith's Stadium and Alex Neil was rightly very frustrated. But psychologically grabbing a 98th minute leveller and staying unbeaten could still count for a lot.

Nothing has been decided and there's everything to play for.

We have eight cup finals ahead of us and there will be twists and turns galore between now and the final whistle against Fulham. OTBC.

FUNNIEST MOMENT OF THE WEEK: If you haven't heard the story of Mikey Knights and his 16 tickets for the Brighton game being cooked with his Mum's chicken, you must listen to the Radio Norfolk Scrimmage on playback. You just couldn't make it up.

HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK: I was on the late shift on the newsdesk on Tuesday evening as the crazy late drama at Huddersfield unfolded. When Vaughan scored I gave up hope. Then young Loza struck. Psychologically it was massive not to lose - and how crucial goal prove in the final shake-up.

HERO OF THE WEEK: I was really pleased that Roy McCrohan was given such a fantastic applause at Carrow Road on Saturday. The versatile player, who died last month, was a key member of the 1958/59 FA Cup team. He made 426 appearances and is sixth in the all-time list. A real City legend.

PREDICTION OF THE WEEK: After Middlesborough thumped Ipswich and while we were beating Derby, any thoughts of an play-off clash with the Tractor Boys seemed impossible. But after Tuesday night, could it stll be on the cards?

VILLAIN OF THE WEEK: Jamar Loza came on as sub, scored his first goal for City and salvaged what could be a precious point. He netted in front of the joyous travelling fans and rightly celebrated as if he'd got a World Cup winner. What happened next? He got booked. Madness.