BRACKLEY TOWN manager Kevin Wilkin has been assured that lightning won't strike twice and he won't lose his job after the FA Trophy final.

Wilkin has guided Brackley to the showcase where the Saints will face Bromley at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

It is the second time in four seasons that Wilkin has taken a team all the way to the final in non-league's premier cup competition but his experience with Wrexham in March 2015 was far from memorable.

The Reds were beaten by part-timers North Ferriby United on a penalty shoot-out and Wilkin was sacked by Racecourse chiefs the following day.

But regardless of this weekend's result, Wilkin, who was in charge of Wrexham for just over a year, will still be employed by National League North side Brackley whose fortunes he has turned around.

"It was not our day with Wrexham but hopefully May 20 will be," said Wilkin.

"To get another side to Wembley, taking another club there, is something I am proud of and I am going to enjoy the day.

"The Brackley chairman has assured me that he is not going to sack me the following day so I can rest a bit easier!"

Wrexham led 2-0 after an hour but North Ferriby pulled level to take the game to extra-time where they went ahead.

Louis Moult scored a last-gasp equaliser but the Villagers stunned Wrexham by winning the shoot-out 5-4.

The decision to take off captain Dean Keates, with 15 minutes to go in normal time and Wrexham well on top, was seen as the turning point but Wilkin still felt it was an achievement taking the Reds to the Wembley final.

"We were in a good position and a lot of people bang on about one decision but I don't think people gave North Ferriby credit for what they did," said Wilkin.

"There was experience in our squad but equally a lot of inexperience there too.

"Steve Tomassen, Andy Coughlin, Kieran Morris - the likes of Wes York and Louis Moult were still making their way - so there were a lot of young players along with some players who had passed their best.

"Getting Wrexham to Wembley was an achievement and I would liked it to have turned out in a different way.

"The way North Ferriby kept going, there was the odd mistake from us and these things can happen.

"I'm not saying it was right from kick-off but I do think the occasion did affect one or two. You learn from it."

Brackley, who lost 3-0 against Harrogate Town in last weekend's National League North play-off final after finishing the campaign third, will appear at Wembley for the first time in their 128-year history.

"We got to the quarter-finals last year and lost to the eventual winners (York City) but we played very well," added Wilkin.

"It is a massive occasion for the club. I don't think anyone in their wildest dreams thought we would get to Wembley."