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When Torquay United meet Ebbsfleet in the FA Carlsberg Trophy final at Wembley on 10 May, it will be the Gulls' fourth visit to the home of English football.

It's the first time they've ever competed in this competition (it's for non-league teams, which is a new experience for the Gulls this year), but at least they're familiar with the venue.

Of course, this is their first trip to the new Wembley, and fans will be hoping a change of stadium will signal a change in luck for the Yellows, who were undone by a harsh penalty decision on their last visit.

Torquay v Bolton in 1989 (Paul Levie)

United's first appearance at Wembley was on a sunny day in May 1989. The occasion was the Sherpa Van Trophy Final, and the opponents were Bolton Wanderers.

The Gulls were the underdogs, but they took the lead through Dean Edwards and United's yellow-and-blue army briefly imagined their team walking up the Wembley steps to collect the trophy.

But it wasn't to be, and Bolton went on to win 4-1.

The Torquay fans among the 46,513 crowd went home happy though, and not many could have believed they'd be back at Wembley just two years later.

Torquay won the 1991 play-off final (Paul Levie)

Oh what a night!

The Wembley schedulers weren't very kind to the 1991 Division Four play-off finalists, giving the fixture a Friday night slot.

The finalists were seaside rivals Torquay and Blackpool - and what a rollercoaster ride of a game they served up.

A thrilling encounter ended in a 2-2 draw, with Wes Saunders and Dean Edwards scoring for United.

There were no goals in extra time, so it went to penalties.

The penalty score was 4-4 after five spot kicks, so it was down to sudden death. Up stepped Gulls goalkeeper Gareth Howells to calmly make it 5-4 on penalties.

Blackpool's top scorer Dave Bamber then shot wide - and United were promoted to Division Three.

Gulls striker Rodney Jack at Wembley in 1998

A spot kick also decided United's last appearance at Wembley, the Division Three play-off final against Colchester in 1998.

The ball was blasted at United defender Paul Gibbs, it hit his arm, and the referee awarded a penalty which was converted by David Gregory.

It was the only goal of the game, so United ended the season with nothing to show for their efforts.

Ten years on, will it be fourth time lucky for the Gulls?

The FA Trophy Final against fellow Blue Square Premier outfit Ebbsfleet takes place on Saturday 10 May, kick-off 2.30pm.

You can follow all the action on this website, with commentary, reports and photos.