YORK City left-back James Meredith is hoping success in this season’s FA Trophy can compensate for missing out on last year’s Wembley final.

Meredith was on the receiving end of City’s two-legged, 4-1 semi-final victory last March, while playing for Telford on loan from Shrewsbury.

As City players, supporters, management staff and directors celebrated victory at Bootham Crescent and looked forward to a final meeting with Stevenage, the 21-year-old Australian headed for the visitors’ dressing room to reflect on a lost opportunity.

But now, having joined the Minstermen in July, Meredith is looking to erase the memory of his 2009 anguish and also help his new club go one better after the disappointing 2-0 defeat to Stevenage under the arch.

Ahead of tonight’s rescheduled quarter-final tie at Barrow, the former Derby County trainee said: “I’m not on a personal mission as such after last season, but I’d love to get to the final.

“I’ve never been to Wembley and it was disappointing to go all that way and then lose, but York were very solid in those games and I was surprised by where they were in the league. We thought we could come back after going down 2-0 at home in the first leg, but York’s defence was too good. As an Australian, reaching Wembley probably isn’t as special as it would be for somebody who grew up in this country because I don’t know too much about its history. But it’s the biggest and best stadium in England, so playing there would still mean a lot to me.

“It would be great for the people of York as well and I would love to play in front of such a big crowd.”

There was also one silver lining around the cloud that was Telford’s semi-final defeat for Meredith. “Drawing York was good for me in another way as that’s how the manager spotted me,” he pointed out.

Despite targeting a Wembley appearance, Meredith is not taking the last eight clash at Holker Street for granted.

He was a member of the City team that drew 0-0 in September’s league clash at Cumbria and said: “It will be tough and the conditions will probably be horrendous but, if we stick to our game plan, we should be okay.

“It was disappointing Saturday’s game was postponed because I would have much preferred to have played, but we will still be prepared and raring to go.”

Meredith came closest to his first City goal in 39 appearances when he rattled the crossbar during last Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with Luton.

After a shot-shy start to his Bootham Crescent career, the Albury-born full-back admitted he might now try his luck more often, adding: “There was a bit of swerve on the shot against Luton and I thought it was going in, as did a few of the lads, but their ’keeper got his fingertips to it.

“My dad has told me I should shoot more and that will encourage me to have a few more attempts.”

As he looks to complete his first season as a regular in full-time football, a modest Meredith also promised City supporters his best is yet to come. “I have enjoyed the intensity of playing every week but I feel I’m still far from my best,” he said.

“I’ve still got some improving to do and that comes the more you get used to the teams you are up against and the players you are playing with.”

Meredith has blossomed since experienced campaigners Chris Carruthers and Luke Graham broke into the first team in November.

Centre-back Graham plays inside the young novice while Carruthers operates in front of him on the left flank and Meredith holds both in high regard.

He said: “I like Chris Carruthers and Luke Graham a lot. They are good players and I know what they will do.

“Chris can do both sides of the game on the wing – defending and attacking. He’s versatile and can get around the pitch. He can shoot and cross, as well as tackle.

“Luke is an experienced, strong and solid defender. They both talk a lot and are approachable. We have a good relationship on the pitch which makes things easier for me.”

The arrival of a fellow Aussie at Bootham Crescent, following Simon Miotto’s appointment as goalkeeping coach, has also made life a little easier.

About his compatriot’s presence, Meredith added: “It’s good to have him around and I get on well with him. He’s from Tasmania and I’m from Melbourne but he’s outgoing and a proper, home-grown Aussie, as well as a good coach.”