FOR one supporter at least there was a silver lining on what was a soul-destroying day to follow Swindon Town.

After weeks of waiting, organising and fundraising Jay Collett was able to see his 8,000-fan mosaic come to life on the biggest stage.

As kick-off ticked nearer and the players emerged from the tunnel shortly before 5.30pm, the Bath-based web designer found himself nervously looking around as spectators seemed to overlook their own personal tiles.

“Once I got in I was just counting down the time until the mosaic. I was looking around me and no-one was looking or touching their bags,” he said.

“It was just a really good feeling: everyone holding their bags up, I was almost jumping up and down with excitement.

“The guys around me that knew or recognised me, they were all patting me on the back and my dad was next to give me giving me a hug. It was amazing.”

The match itself, as predicted, did not impress Jay, who wanted to criticise those supporters who left just 15 minutes into the match after the second, rather than the players.

“I don’t want to blast the players. It’s a big occasion and Preston are a strong side,” he said.

“I didn’t feel like there was any fight. It’s confusing. The difference in the drive to Sheffield United and to Wembley was just weird. They were so Marmite.

“I was still singing and cheering even at 3-0. You either do that or you’re just wasting your day.

“The most frustrating thing was the fans leaving after the second goal. It’s just such a waste.”

The crushing defeat weighed especially heavy on the shoulders of a father and son who had spent much of the past 48 hours travelling across the planet for their 90 minutes with Town.

Lee Bizley, 36, and 12-year-old Ciaran had flown from Melbourne for the Wembley clash, but left with tainted memories of their visit.

“We were beaten by the better side. All over the pitch they were the better team. I don’t think you can complain,” said Lee.

“It’s all very disappointing. We just didn’t turn up. I can probably focus on the real negatives at the minute, but on another day it could’ve been another result.

“Words are hard to explain. I’m very disappointed. Hopefully they can regroup and go again next season.

“I just don’t want to spend time talking about the game now. I want to get home and spend time with my dad and family whilst we’re still here.”

Ciaran said: “I’m pretty sad, but I’m happy that I got to see Wembley. The atmosphere was amazing.

"I knew it was a big stadium, but it was incredible when we got inside.”