Derby has unveiled its bid to bea host city if England wins the right to stage the football World Cup in 2018 or 2022. Today, Paul Whyatt speaks to people who have scored a coveted Shrovetide goal about why they are backing the bid.

It was 7.20pm on February 25 and a moment that Robyn Wright will never forget.

An occasion dreamed of by thousands of Ashburnians, but experienced by a small few.

It was the time he goaled at the annual Ashbourne Shrovetide football match and it "felt better than scoring in the World Cup", according to Mr Wright.

It's because of such a moment that Mr Wright, whose goal at the Sturston Mill end secured a 1-1 draw for his Up'ards side, is backing Derby's bid to host World Cup matches.

He said: "If the World Cup came to Derby, it would give the region the same kind of thrill that we get in Ashbourne every year.

"If you asked people in Ashbourne whether they'd rather score in the World Cup or Shrovetide, most would actually say Shrovetide – that's how special it is here.

"Excitement starts to build here every Christmas and it would be really good if the rest of Derbyshire could have something to get excited about as well."

Mr Wright is not the only Shrovetide goal scorer backing the bid.

Stuart Lemon, who goaled in 2008, said: "Scoring a Shrovetide goal is absolute euphoria. If the World Cup came here there would be more moments like that.

"It would be brilliant for the whole city – especially if England went on to win it which they're capable of doing."

Derby fan John Tomlinson, who goaled in 1995, said Pride Park was a suitable venue to stage major sporting events.

"I would love to see that level of football at Pride Park, he said. "Although it would be a step down to the standard we're used to."

And pub landlord Mark Harrison, who goaled in 1986, said: "Football doesn't get any bigger than the World Cup – other than Shrovetide of course."

Rob Godfrey, who has been on the players committee for 30 years, said the whole of Derbyshire would benefit if the tournament came here.

He said: "Derby has a footballing tradition and would be a great place to host World Cup matches.

"There would be a great buzz around the whole region if we were to get it."

David Calladine, of the Shrovetide Committee, said: "Most of us are Derby fans and we'd love to see the World Cup come here.

"We're in the middle of the country and have a fantastic stadium. It's far superior to Old Trafford."

Derby is one of 15 cities bidding for the right to stage matches, with the FA looking for 12 suitable venues.

A decision on which venues will be included in England's bid will be made in December.

An announcement on whether England will host either the 2018 or 2022 World Cup will be made in December 2010.

Click here to support the World Cup bid