A RENDITION of "There's only one Johnny Smith" as the defender lifted the Lancashire FA Marsden Trophy made it a fitting finish to Smith's Accrington Stanley career.
After six seasons of sterling work for the Reds - which has seen two promotions and the club go full-time - the 29-year-old finally bowed out on a high after being released this week.
Of course the original aim was to help the Reds return to the Football League but, with the sights now set on doing that next season, Smith's final task in this campaign was to help the Reds lift the Lancashire Trophy again - after they last won it in 2002.
Accrington lad Smith, who signed for the Reds in June 1999 from Great Harwood, will now consider offers from Conference North sides Barrow and Stalybridge as well as look at other options.
But the crowd favourite enjoyed his perfect send off as the Reds - leading 3-0 from the first leg - easily overcame UniBond Premier play-off chasers Burscough.
"It got quite emotional at the end," admitted Smith. "I was getting a bit stick off the lads but I did love every minute of it.
"Coley had told me just before the game that I was to be made captain and it was an honour
"I have done it three or four times before and I was proud then and I was proud to lift the trophy on Tuesday night.
"And it was lovely to hear the crowd cheer my name. That meant a lot and I walk away with no regrets and wishing the club all the best."
Midfielder Steve Flitcroft, at the club for four years, also played his last game in a Stanley shirt and had a good send off - scoring a wonder goal to finish his Reds career with a flurry.
And Paul Haworth, who signed for the Reds in October 2002, was also donning the Interlink kit for his final competitive game while goalkeeper Jon Kennedy played a part in his last clash with two stunning saves.
And the first was vital as it came in the opening minutes when Burscough would have still fancied their chances in the competition. Liam Blakeman's 30-yarder could have rattled the Reds but Kennedy spectacularly tipped the effort away.
It was worthy of a goal whereas Stanley's opener was pure luck. On their first attack, Rory Prendergast charged down the wing and his tricky cross was turned into the back of the net by experienced defender Dave McKearney with just five minutes gone.
It was disappointing for the Linnets as, at 4-0, it was game over and their hope of another scalp - after defeating Nationwide North leaders Southport - was not to be.
Paul Cook added to their woes by making something out of nothing on 17 minutes and curling a 20 yard strike into the bottom of the net.
But it was Kennedy who was the busier keeper and he needed to pull off more heroics keeping out a Matthew Parry 20-yard chip and he tipped over a Ryan Bowen header.
Manager John Coleman has bemoaned Stanley's finishing touch in Conference games this season but this time his team had it - and Burscough didn't - and, on the stroke of half time, Ian Craney set up Cook who lashed the ball home first time and gave the keeper no chance.
At 6-0 it was hopeless for Burscough and it looked worse when Gary Martindale hacked down Flitcroft in the area after the break. The ref pointed to the spot and Cook grabbed the ball looking for his first ever hat-trick despite a long and illustrious career.
But the experienced midfielder hit it straight down the middle and it was no problem for David Newnes.
"There is a new rule at the club that no left footer will take a penalty while I am here as the last two have missed," said the boss.
And Burscough then charged straight down the other end and Kennedy was still on top of his game using his legs to deny Martin Crowder. But, by 57 minutes, it was four when Prendergast's ball found Flitcroft at the far post and the midfielder copied Cook by blasting the ball home.
As if trailing 7-0 wasn't enough, Burscough were then reduced to ten men when sub Ian Johnson was stretchered off with an ankle injury on 66 minutes - and having used their subs they had no choice.
The underdogs did deserve a goal for their efforts over the two legs but it proved elusive as both sides couldn't add to the tally at the end - with even Smith looking to get his final Stanley goal but he couldn't make firm contact on a Craney cross.
But he and Stanley got the silverware - although boss John Coleman admitted it was hard for his players.
"I always enjoy this cup. I have played in five finals and they have always been cracking games so it was important for us to win it.
"Four years ago when we won it, we were delighted to win it and the gloss hasn't gone off it for me. But it was a bit flat because we were disappointed we didn't make the play-offs."
