Millwall:

12 months ago, Millwall trudged off the Wembley pitch, totally demoralised, after surrendering a 2-1 advantage, and losing 3-2 to Scunthorpe United. It knocked the stuffing out of them and it took a while to get some momentum back, but once on a role, they have continued right the way back to the scene of last years heartache. Captain Paul Robinson missed out on a starting jersey in last years final, due to injury; so it was fitting that it should be him who netted the decisive second goal in the semi final second leg 2-0 victory over Huddersfield, with a towering header. Steve Morrison had scored his 23rd goal of the season to put the south Londoners ahead. The Lions beat final opponents Swindon on the last match of the campaign 3 weeks ago, and enter the showdown as slight favourites. To lose for a second successive season will be too much to take for several players and fans alike. Kenny Jacket will have his team spot on, and there remains a nagging suspicion that spot on is what it might take to settle this very closely matched contest. Penalties is an unsatisfactory, but exceptionally exciting way to bring the season to a thrilling climax and it might well be that they will be required for this one.


Swindon Town:

Swindon are probably still pinching themselves, as the prepare for their first visit to Wembley since the early 1990's, in Glenn Hoddle's glory period. Danny Wilson's lads looked to be heading out at the hands of Charlton in the semi final second leg, after they fell 2 goals behind and a man down, with less than 15 minutes to play. An own goal by Simon Ferry had the Robins rocking early on; this after losing goalkeeper David Lucas with a dislocated shoulder, as early as the first minute. It was then in the additional time played for that injury, that the Londoners stretched their lead. Then skipper Gordon Greer received a deserved red, following an outrageous kung-fu lunge at Deon Burton, but against all the odds Danny Ward conjured up an equaliser in the second half and after extra time failed to separate the two teams, it came down to penalties. On loan Liverpool full-back Stephen Darby emerged as the unlikely hero, with the crucial spot kick to see the Wiltshire outfit through to the final. They will be underdogs against Millwall, but they proved, on the last day of the regular season, that they can give the Lions a tough ride.