So, here we are again. For the second season in succession City have successfully negotiated their way to the giant arch that permeates the North West London skyline, creating a buzz around the city and many a sleepless night as fans and players alike await Sunday's encounter with a build-up of nervous tension.

A trip to Wembley is just reward for Paul Tisdale's talented squad, and to do it by dishing out a 4-1 thrashing at Plainmoor, home of rivals Torquay, made it all the sweeter. The victory on Bank Holiday Monday yet again bore out Tisdale's tactical genius as all three substitutes got on the scoresheet and could claim to have altered the course of the game by putting in superb displays.

The experience of May 20, 2007 could be seen as a positive for City, as will the large pitch, which is suited to City's expansive passing game. Paul Jones will have good memories of a fantastic display in ultimately a losing cause and, having dislodged Andy Marriott from the starting eleven in the dying embers of the season will hope to take to the field again. For the likes of Player of the Year Matt Taylor, it will be a new experience to cherish. Taylor himself is no stranger to showpiece finals however, as he earned an FA Trophy winner's medal while still a goalkeeper at Burscough in 2003.

Cambridge, under Jimmy Quinn, defied the odds to launch a sustained challenge near the top and, while never challenging either Aldershot or Torquay for top spot, a playoff place never really looked in doubt. In the end Cambridge just managed to pip Torquay for 2nd place, before successfully negotiating the challenge of Burton Albion in the Playoff Semis. Two names on the teamsheet will be familiar to City fans, especially those who remember the 99/00 campaign anyway! Danny Potter will be in goal, while ex-City loanee Lee Boylan may have to be content with coming off the bench.

There are a number of parallels between this season's City adventure and that of last season. Last season City finished in the lower half of the playoff teams, ensuring a tie against higher-placed opposition. Same this season. Last season City lost the home leg of the Semis. Same this season. Last season City went a further goal behind on aggregate in the away leg. Same this season. Last season City launched a rousing comeback to win the tie. Same this season - albeit in normal time rather than on penalties. Last season City's opponents, despite finishing higher in the table, had a poor record in Conference matches against City. Same again this season - City's record against City in the Conference is P6 W4 D1 L1, including a 4-point haul this season.

Last season City lost. Let us hope that is the end of the parallels!