McIlroy has been to Wembley as a player and manager

The win ensured the 87-year-old club will play League football for the first time in their history next season.

"I thought it was a great advert for the Conference," said McIlroy.

"I played at Wembley a few times back in the 1970s and the atmosphere is still fantastic. Both sets of fans made it a great occasion."

Danny Carlton's piledriver eight minutes from time clinched the win and McIlroy added: "It was a goal worthy of getting promotion. You won't see a better one in the Premier League."

It probably will be the best goal of my life Goalscorer Danny Carlton

McIlroy, who played in three FA Cup finals at Wembley with Manchester United in the 1970s, said the new stadium was a fitting venue for the Conference final.

"The players loved it and they didn't want to come off the pitch," he revealed.

Of the redesigned Wembley, which includes a 107-step climb to reach the podium where the trophy is presented, McIlroy said: "There only used to be 39 steps to get the trophy - I'm 53 now and it is harder work getting up there. But it was worth it."

606: DEBATE Well done Morecambe, nice to see Sammy Mc back in league football Torky

Goal hero Carlton admitted that his tired legs had led him to trying his luck from 25 yards for what proved to be the winner.

"I didn't fancy running past the defenders so I just thought I would shoot," stated Carlton, a 23-year-old Leeds-born forward, who joined the Shrimps aged 15.

"There couldn't have been a better ending. It's the best goal I've ever scored and it probably will be the best goal of my life."