History

GGM 45: Old North Bank gets rousing send-off

The old North Bank was one of the most famous terraces in football.

The roof - built in 1935 and then rebuilt after being hit by a bomb during the Blitz - sheltered the heart and soul of Arsenal's support.

It stood proudly until the summer of 1992 when the bulldozers moved in to build the North Bank Stand. That lasted rather less time than its predecessor as Arsenal made their historic move from Highbury to Emirates Stadium 14 years later.

The final game in front of the old North Bank took place on May 2, 1992. It was a poignant occasion for many but, typically, Arsenal gave the terrace a rousing send-off.

Southampton were the visitors and, although the title had long since slipped away for Arsenal, Ian Wright still had the Golden Boot in his sights. Gary Lineker started the day a goal ahead of his fellow England striker.

In many ways it was a routine home win for the Gunners. Kevin Campbell, Alan Smith and a Wright penalty put them 3-1 up but, with Lineker netting at Old Trafford, the Tottenham striker was still in pole position for the top scorer prize.

It stayed that way until stoppage time. Wright screamed for the ball deep on the left and was picked out by David Seaman's accurate throw. He shrugged off one challenge, cut inside another defender and hammered the ball into the bottom corner.

Arsenal had time for one more attack. Wright swung his leg at a right-wing cross, the ball flew off his shin and once again nestled in the goal at the North Bank end. The swaying mass behind the goal celebrated wildy - they knew how much it meant to Wrighty.

The Arsenal striker had the biggest smile in the stadium when he walked off the pitch at the final whistle. The Golden Boot was his. Just as importantly, Wright had given the North Bank crowd one more magical moment to treasure as they left their terrace for the last time.