The stage is set for a dramatic climax to Salford City's season, and winger Kelly N'Mai has made no secret of the fire burning within the squad. After a gut-wrenching final day that saw automatic promotion slip through their fingers, the Ammies are channeling their frustration into a Wembley dream.

It all came down to a tense 0-0 draw at Crawley on the final day of the regular season. That single point was the difference between celebration and heartbreak, as Cambridge United snatched the third automatic promotion spot by just one point. "Everyone was down," N'Mai recalls of the quiet coach ride home, where the weight of missed chances hung heavy in the air.

But that anger has become fuel. After a thrilling 2-1 away victory at Grimsby Town in the first leg of the play-off semi-final, Salford now hold a crucial advantage heading into Friday's return match at the Peninsula Stadium. For N'Mai, going up via the play-offs would be poetic justice. "It's been a long season and the lads have worked really hard," the Dutch midfielder told BBC Radio Manchester. "To miss out on the final day, where we had loads of chances, everyone was angry. So to do it at Wembley would probably be better than finishing third."

The transformation from despair to determination was swift. After that crushing bus ride home, captain messages in the group chat sparked a reset. "He said 'that's done, we've got to restart and go again'—and we're doing the work to do that," N'Mai adds.

Despite the excitement of the first leg, which had fans on the edge of their seats, N'Mai admits he'd happily trade drama for control. "For anyone watching, it was entertaining. But as a player, I hope it's the calmest game. I wouldn't mind a 0-0."

It's a sentiment that speaks to the maturity of a squad that knows the job isn't done yet. And for N'Mai personally, Friday's match carries extra significance. The 22-year-old made his first start in two months after injury on Sunday, battling through 60 grueling minutes. "It was the hardest 60 minutes—I couldn't breathe," he laughs. "But with the atmosphere there, it's a tough place to go. To leave there a goal up, we're confident."

Now, all eyes turn to the Peninsula Stadium. One more step, and the Ammies can trade their anger for glory under the Wembley arch.