Garry Thompson needs no introduction to Stevenage – he will be facing them for the 15th time.

The City right winger has plenty of past experience of Conference conflict with them during his time with Morecambe, including an FA Trophy semi-final defeat 11 years ago.

Most recently, he scored for Scunthorpe in a 1-1 League One draw in January 2012.

Thompson said: “You know it’s going to be physical against them and won’t be easy, home or away.

“I remember going down there once and it was one of the hottest days ever. It was something like 36 or 38 degrees centigrade!

“Graham Westley puts out big, strong teams and I’ve heard rumours they do four or five (training) sessions a day.

“I don’t want to be disrespectful and say they are just a physical side. They do pass it as well. But one of the lads was saying when they played Everton, there were only two or three players under six foot two.”

Westley’s approach is a direct contrast to the fluid formation that Sheffield United offered at Valley Parade last week. For Thompson, the changing systems are part of the “beauty” of football.

“Everyone has got different philosophies of how to play the game. That’s why everyone loves it.

“Look at Chelsea the other day and Jose Mourinho didn’t go with a recognised striker at Man United and they still could have nicked the game.

"You pit your wits against managers and players week in, week out and no two teams are the same.

“But with the squad we’ve got, there’s enough to match anybody whatever formation comes our way.”