Their run included a 2–0 defeat against Peterborough United in their area final first-leg before overcoming them 3–0 in the home encounter after extra-time.

Third Division side Carlisle began their Football League Trophy campaign on 10 December 1996 at home to Rochdale in the North section of the competition.

They comfortably dismissed Hull 4–0 on 28 January 1997, before they were handed an area quarter-final against Second Division York City at Bootham Crescent on 4 February.

On 18 February, Carlisle again defeated higher league opposition as they beat Shrewsbury Town 2–1 at Gay Meadow to reach the area final.

In the area final first-leg held on 18 March, Carlisle again defeated second division opposition by winning 2–0 against Stockport County.

[4] Colchester met Brentford in the southern quarter-final on 28 January when they saw off further Second Division after Paul Abrahams' 35th-minute goal proved the difference between the two sides.

[6] In the first leg of the area final against Peterborough United on 11 March, Colchester fell to a 2–0 defeat at London Road,[7] but in the return leg at Layer Road on 18 March, Colchester scored two goals, one from Chris Fry in the first half and one from Paul Buckle in the second-half, to send the game to extra time.

With a man advantage after Peterborough had Ken Charlery sent off for a second bookable offence, Paul Abrahams scored the golden goal that would put the Essex side through to the Wembley national final.

As league rivals, Carlisle had beaten Colchester 3–0 at Brunton Park the same season on 1 October 1996, but were held to a 1–1 draw on 18 January 1997 at Layer Road.

Just fifteen seconds from time, Mark Sale's cross reached full-back Joe Dunne at the far-post, but he put his shot high over the bar.