The season is drawing to a close and soon only two teams will be left with something to play for in the Blue Square Premier. After today's games against Torquay it was confirmed that City would move to the final stage at Wembley. The game was given it's starting position after the match from Thursday. It was describled that on that day 'football was not the winner', however today it was.

The game started with City 2-1 down on aggregate having dominated posession in the first leg but with Torquay being more clinical at St James' Park and taking the advantage back to Plainmoor. City lined up in a 4-4-2 with Jones in goal, Tully, Taylor, Seaborne and Friend making up the back 4. Bertie Cozic replaced Ryan Harley in midfield alongside Gill, Edwards and Moxey. Carlisle dropped to the bench allowing Logan to start up front with Adam Stansfield.

The first half started where the first leg ended. City were dominating possession but Torquay were able to nullify the effect and were dealing pretty comfortably with the attacking promise. The only chance of note was the header by Matt Taylor that was spectacularly cleared off the line by Lee Mansell.

It was the second half where all the action came, and my what action it was. The half started with Harley replacing Bertie Cozic. On the hour mark the former Aldershot man, Tim Sills broke down the right beating Edwards and Seabourne and crossed the ball. It was excellently left by on-loan Millwall player Zebroski for Kevin Hill who made no mistake and slammed the ball past Jones. This took the aggregate score to 3-1 with 30 minutes left and the tie seemingly beyond City.

It was at this point that the characters were needed. Friend and Stansfield were replaced by Carlisle and Watson and all of a sudden the cracks began to appear. First Raynor in the Torquay goal came rushing out to Carlisle and while the shot went wide, the City fans felt that the winger was brought down but the penalty appeals were waved away. Then with 20 minutes to go Rob Edwards decided that City were not going to lose. He brought the ball from deep in the City half to within 30 yards of the Torquay goal. He exchanged passes with Harley on the left, lifted the ball over the defender broke into the area, beat the defender again. From the by-line he layed the ball back to Harley who from the edge of the area slotted home through a crowded area accross the keeper.

Muted celebrations followed from the players as we were back to square one and there was still a long way to go. Further pressure followed and the withdrawal of Tim Sills saw Torquay trying to shut up shop. However City clearly did not want to go down without a fight. In the 80th minute Lo Lo Logan was bundled to the ground by Raynor and Zebroski and after a slight delay the ref pointed to the spot. With no messing about Watson took the ball and despite some delaying tactics he dispatched it to the keepers left with Raynor diving to the right. The tie was all square with 10 minutes to go. GAME ON.

Every one loves a last minute winner, how about a last minute winner against Torquay, at Plainmoor, in the play-offs and when you were seemingly out of the tie? Sound good? Well in the 89th minute Carlisle sent in a great cross to the far post where Logan rose fantastically to send a downward header into the back of the net. The tie was now completely turned 180 degrees and City were just 4 injury time minutes away from a second trip to Wembley in 2 seasons. The home fans stopped singing 'You're staying in the conference' and instead started to leave.

From this point it was Torquay looking for the equaliser and pressing the game, but it was too little too late for them. There was time however for City to add the cherry to the top of the cake. A poor quick free kick was given to Edwards who played a pass from the left back position into the Torquay half releasing Watson against one defender. Watson drew the defender and crossed for Carlisle or Logan, Wayne took a touch and slotted past Raynor to make it 1-4 on the day, 3-5 to City on aggregate and it was the 94th minute.

The ref soon draw a halt to the proceedings and the 18th May was booked in all of our diaries.

As for the team, well Tisdale has to take the credit for this one. At half time he clearly saw that it was not working completely as planned, and we had 45 minutes to get back in it. Of the three substitiutes, well all three scored a goal.

Jones was flawless in goal, he caught well, saved 2 close shots and cleared the lines well. The back 4 dealt well with the threat of Sills and distributed well. Gill, Edwards and in the second half Harley were excellent adding bite and a forward movement. Watson had his best game in a City shirt, Carlisle's crossing was superb and Logan was putting himself about and making a nuisance of himself.

But as we learnt last season, the job is not done. We have ticked the boxes that see us finish in the play offs and that sees us progress to Wembley. This year we have no unfinished business other than to win the next game. I know you will all be there, the second home of football after St James' Park, the mighty reds gracing the field and the promise of league football awaits the winner.

Ticket and travel details will be available from this website.