It's fair to say that Hartlepool United's play-off record is not the greatest. In six games, two draws is the best they have managed. Skipper Micky Barron has been part of the team on each occasion and, ahead of today's game with Bristol City, he reviewed the past fortunes.

v Darlington, May 2000.

Agg: 0-3

This was the first time and maybe people got a bit carried away. Darlington were a better team than us at the time. We had a chance with Craig Midgley that could have gone in, but everything seemed to run for them at our place.

Then we had to go there for the second-leg and we were soon behind again. Strods scored an own goal early on and they might as well have called it off then!

It was an experience to be in there, but maybe as a team and a club we weren't prepared to go up.

Of course, you take the chance when it comes, but, being honest, we weren't as good as the other teams in the play-offs.

I suppose it was more disappointing because it was Darlo and the chance to play at Wembley. With my mate Lidds scoring as well, it was a bad day all round!

v Blackpool, May 2001.

Agg: 1-5

We went into this a bit disappointed because we hadn't gone up automatically. Blackpool got into the play-offs with a good run and we had been chasing an automatic slot. It was a red hot day down there and the atmosphere was a bit flat.

We thought we still had a good chance of getting back into it at our place, but they were one of the best teams we played all season. They were strong and passed the ball well, very difficult to break down.

The games were a bit of a turning point for the club. Chris had given the lads who were here a chance and they did well, but he wanted to bring experienced players in and the team really improved.

v Cheltenham, May 2002.

Agg 2-2, lost 5-4 on pens

This was the one which hurt the most for me. We played so well away from home. In extra time we had chances to win it, one with Darrell Clarke, where he was stretching, but it went down to penalties and it wasn't to be.

It really hurt us losing that because we played so well away from home.

It was our best performance in the play-offs in the game down there, but we were disappointing at home.

The second the season was over, the gaffer came out and said the next season started there and then. We didn't want to make the play-offs again, we just wanted to go up automatically, and that's what we did.

v Bristol City, May 2004

It's a bit like the Darlington games - let's hope we have a better outcome. A lot of people can't believe we are in the play-offs, but we have done it and let's hope we can come through them.

We started the season and, looking at the fixture list, wondered where would we pick up points - honestly!

But you play a few games and then realise the gap isn't that big. We have been consistent all season and played West Brom and Sunderland, when there wasn't a massive gap.

We have held our own and then when you get a few points on the board, it brings more self-belief as well. Here's hoping!