Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson spoke of this match being a chance to celebrate how far the club have come.
After all, while these days there might only be 20 places between the teams in the pyramid, it was only three years ago that Wrexham were having to play in the FA Cup’s qualifying rounds.
They certainly made the most of the occasion, with the pre-match tribute to club icon Joey Jones – also fondly remembered by Chelsea fans for his promotion-winning time at Stamford Bridge – a classy touch to set the tone.
Indeed, the atmosphere had the clenched fist feel of the Welsh great’s trademark salute, while on the pitch, players carried his fearless nature.
But Wrexham have not found themselves in the Championship play-off positions on attitude and spirit alone.
Parkinson does not get enough credit for his ability to get tactics spot on for the different challenges Wrexham have faced in their recent rise, switching between pragmatism and taking the game to opponents.
They did that here, growing in confidence as fans gained belief.
Sensing the opportunity, they pressed higher and added to Chelsea’s uncertainty.
And the quality possessed by the squad Parkinson has cleverly assembled was none more so displayed by the wonderful flick from Doyle.
It was a moment that allowed the old ground to dream, before Chelsea’s moments of quality that handed them the advantage in extra time.
Perhaps Wrexham should not have been surprised that cameras would have a say in their story as VAR played the villain, with Chelsea’s players happy to play a supporting role as they saw the game out.
But while there was no Hollywood moment for the on-watching owners, there are perhaps more significant fixtures to come this week with the play-off hopefuls facing fifth-placed Hull City on Tuesday before a Welsh derby with Swansea City on Friday.
Neither extra time nor Dobson’s red – with injury problems already an issue in midfield – will have been welcome to Wrexham.
But on a night that was a chance to reflect on how far Wrexham have come, it only added to the anticipation of what could yet follow.
