Lincoln City boss Gary Simpson is determined to right the wrongs of the past when his side host Conference North high-flyers North Ferriby United in the Third Round of The FA Carlsberg Trophy on Saturday.
Simpson, who is in his second spell at Sincil Bank having assisted the late Keith Alexander earlier in his coaching career, has endured heartbreak at Wembley Stadium and the Millennium Stadium and is keen to create a happy ending this time around.
The former Macclesfield boss was Boston United captain when they featured under the old Twin Towers in the 1985 Trophy Final, when they succumbed 2-1 to Wealdstone - an occasion he labelled the highlight of his career, despite of the result.
Lincoln City v North Ferriby Utd
The FA Carlsberg Trophy
Third Round Proper
3pm, Saturday 11 January 2014
Sincil Bank
Simpson also suffered disappointment in Cardiff when Lincoln twice tasted defeat in Third Division play-off finals in 2003 and 2005.
The 52-year-old is hoping for the rub of the green this time around - but he knows a lot of hard work is required if Lincoln are to reach Wembley this season.
When asked if he was keen to make up for his past heartbreak, he said: "I'd like to do that obviously. We know the task ahead is very difficult.
"I have very good memories of the run to The Final in 1985. Playing through all the rounds - we beat Altrincham, who were one of the big non-League clubs at the time, in the Semi-Final.
"We played Wealdstone in The Final. To be fair, they did the league and cup double.
"Obviously to play at Wembley is any player's highlight. And it was mine as well. I've got fond memories of the competition and hopefully we can go a bit further in it."
Simpson is approaching his first anniversary as Lincoln manager and admits he would love to recreate the glory days of his first stint at Sincil Bank.
He added: "I was with Keith all the way through when we reached the two play-off finals. They were fantastic - there's no two ways about it.
"The Lincoln supporters deserved them days. They're a great set of supporters that have backed the club through thick and thin.
"When we took over the club the last time they had gone into administration. No money.
"And we managed to get into four or five play-offs. So they were good times and it would be nice to start to rekindle that."
