MICHAEL Timlin feels proud of his place in Southend United folklore – despite feeling the Shrimpers did not play all that well to get there.

Timlin lined up at Wembley despite suffering a sickening clash of heads in the first leg of the semi-final at Stevenage.

And the combative midfielder was also pleased to help Phil Brown’s side get over the line against Wycombe Wanderers at Wembley.

“People forget about the actual game and I thought we were very poor if I’m honest,” said Timlin.

“I think the games against Stevenage in the semi-final took it out of us.

“But we scored in the last 30 seconds and we did it in the most adrenaline pumping way possible.”

And the manner of the win also made the achievement all the more memorable.

“I’m thankful for that time because we’re part of history and a big part of it too,” said Timlin.

“You can never top that period.”

The Shrimpers triumphed 7-6 on penalties to secure their place in League One.

And Timlin was among those to score from the spot.

“I’ve always been keen to put my hand up for penalty shoot-outs,” said Timlin.

“It comes down to confidence and I think you have to be brave enough to take one.

“I’ve played with a lot of senior players who wouldn’t put their hand up to take one but that makes it tough for the younger players around them who then have to stand up.

“I’d never feel bad towards anyone missing a penalty because at least they have been brave enough to take it.”

The Shrimpers scored six of their seven penalties to triumph.

And Timlin was impressed by his fellow team-mates.

“The penalties went on for a while and I remember Cian Bolger scoring an unbelievable one right in the top corner and Adam Barrett took a great penalty too,” said Timlin.

“We had practised a little bit but it was nothing too serious.

“It’s different on the day and I don’t even remember what number penalty I took.

“But I love that pressure when you have to deliver and we definitely did.”

And Timlin, who played wearing a skull cup, has been enjoying reminiscing about the final with his former team-mates Myles Weston in more recent times.

“I still have a good laugh with Myles because I gave the free-kick away for Wycombe’s goal,” said Timlin.

“I was arguing with him at the time because he should’ve shown him down the outside and he was shouting back, saying why did you foul him?

“We’ve done a few coaching courses together since then and it often comes up, especially when we’re told about how important it is to listen!”