IT WAS Wembley eve when City last played at Kingsmeadow.

Defeat deep into added time against a team at that time bottom of the entire Football League, having led with seven minutes to go, was hardly the best preparation for the Capital One Cup final.

Stephen Darby is the only survivor from the starters beaten by Wimbledon in February 2013 – James Hanson came off the bench.

But Rory McArdle can recall it well, even if he did not make the trip. The central defender was back in Bradford having frantic treatment on an ankle injury that made him a real doubt for the following week.

“It was genuinely touch and go,” he recalled. “I damaged the ligaments a few weeks before at Fleetwood and there wasn’t much time.

“I remember listening to the Wimbledon game and Thommo (Garry Thompson) put us one up. But they won it late, which wasn’t ideal.

“It wasn’t a case of being rested or not risking it flaring up. It was right down to the wire with my ankle.

“In the end it was credit to the physios who were battering through the treatment and got me out there at Wembley playing with a big heavy strapping. Although I’m not sure if it was a good thing!”

Kingsmeadow, which Wimbledon continue to call home until they can return to their roots in Merton, could not be more different to the national stadium.

But then the same could be said of the present Dons side compared with that last visit as they follow up May’s promotion at Wembley with an impressive start to League One life.

Neil Ardley’s men are finding their feet at a level they could only dream of when the club was reformed in the Fox and Grapes pub on Wimbledon Common 14 years ago.

One thing that won’t change is the direct approach that City can expect from their hosts.

McArdle added: “We know it’s going to be tough.

“We saw it last week against Southend and the way they were organised, got the ball forward and were always on the second ball.

“I know some people will say it’s not a good way to play football. But when you’re in the heat of the game it’s a handful to play against.

“It’s relentless. They’ll have a big boy up top, get on second balls and teams can go under against it.

“If you’ve got the players who can do that, then it’s very effective and is going to get you results.”

In a throwback to earlier in his career, McArdle found himself playing right back against Sheffield United in a move to combat the height of wing-back Danny Lafferty.

With Wimbledon employing an old-fashioned winger in Andy Barcham, Stuart McCall may opt to restore Stephen Darby to his regular role.

Adaptability has been a key feature in McCall’s teams so far, with the manager willingly switching personnel and formation.

There has also been a move to playing a more ground-based game. That has required a change of philosophy for the long-servers like McArdle.

His long pass towards Hanson was a staple diet of Phil Parkinson’s approach but the defender is enjoying mixing it up.

“It’s good to get the chance to bring the ball out,” he said. “You give it to Josh (Cullen), Lawsy (Nicky Law) or Tim (Dieng) and just keep it moving.

“But at the same time the gaffer says don’t be afraid to hit the angled ball if it’s on.”