Last week marked the 10 year anniversary of an occasion that many Chester fans will never forget – promotion back to the Football League.

Given the importance of this weekend’s encounter with Salisbury City, it seems apt that the anniversary should fall so close to another fixture where the Blues have their destiny in their own hands.

Although a victory and three points this weekend would be celebrated for very different reasons on the Harry McNally Terrace, it’s importance is just as great.

Mark Wright’s Chester City needed to claim the three points to seal the Nationwide Conference and to fend of the challenge from Hereford United.

Now, 10 years on, the two sides will be watching each others scorelines with the greatest of interest this weekend, with the ball once again falling in the Blues court.

A decade ago, Darryn Stamp’s solitary strike sealed a 1-0 win in a scrappy game, but the win ensured the Blues smashed an ace down the centre of the court and claimed the spoils. How sweet it would be if the same could be said come the full-time whistle on Saturday evening.

In homage to the Class of 2004, we doth our cap and take a look at a game where the Blues did what was required of them and emerged the victors from the dreaded ‘must-win’ scenario.

Long before kick-off on that joyous afternoon, there was no room at the inn for those wanting to witness a slice of Chester City history – a first ever league championship.

The Deva was packed to the rafters with a record capacity 5,987 inside the ground in fine voice and ready to roar on the Blues, who had been impressive throughout the season.

It was an emotional day and, thanks to Stamp’s strike on 19 minutes, the crowd erupted in to joyous scenes at the final whistle after biting their nails down to the quick following a nervy and tense encounter.

The reward was the Nationwide Conference title and a return to the Football League, which they departed in such heartbreaking circumstances four years earlier.

Following the match, City manager Mark Wright said: “This is a big achievement for the players, the board and for the club. I will remember and cherish this moment for a very long time.

“We have shown a character and team spirit this season that has been a credit to the players and we have deservedly taken the credit.”

In the game itself, Chester were the first into their stride when Daryl Clare brought out a good save from Leigh Walker in the visiting goal with a close-range effort. The ball had been delivered to the league's leading scorer by Scott Guyett, who had headed a Kevin McIntyre free-kick goalwards.

Former Manchester United starlet Michael Twiss had the ball in the visitors' net after 16 minutes, but the strike was ruled out because of a push by Stamp in the build-up. However, three minutes later Stamp made amends when he scored what turned out to be the winning goal, with Clare the orchestrator.

Clare hurtled down the left flank and crossed low towards the near post where Mark Hotte should have cleared the ball. However the ex-Oldham Athletic defender allowed it to slip under his foot and Stamp did the rest, side-footing into the far corner from an acute angle.

The Yorkshire side then came agonisingly close to levelling matters when they grazed the City post after 25 minutes.

After the break City were forced into a double substitution, Andy Harris and Lee Elam coming on for the injured Twiss and Danny Collins. The visitors sensed a chink in City's armour and went close through the former Leeds United striker Tony Hackworth.

In injury time, Hackworth broke free and fired goalwards but goalkeeper Iain Turner, on loan from Everton, dealt competently with the thunderous effort, much to the relief of the home thronging home contingent.

After three minutes of added time the official blew his whistle and the outpouring of joy at a return to the Football League after a four-year exile was there for all to see.

Enjoying the adulation of the fans – adulation which was not to last – City chairman Stephen Vaughan said: “We intend to go on a win more titles. There is no reason why we can't emulate the successes that Doncaster Rovers have achieved.

“When the dust has settled, I will sit down with my manager and we will plan for the future and strengthen the squad where we need the strengthen.”

CHESTER CITY: Turner, Collins (Elam, 57), Bolland, Guyett, McIntyre, Carden, Davies, Heard, Twiss (Harris 46), Clare, (Rapley 71), Stamp. Subs: Lane, Woods.

SCARBOROUGH: Walker, Lyth, Hotte, Downey, Nicholson, Gilroy, Kerr, Kelly, Rose (Marcelle 75 mins), Gill (Senior 84 mins), Hackworth). Siubs (not used) Quayle, Sollitt, Capper.

Referee: Mr Glenn Turner (Chesterfield).

Attendance: 5,987