Promoted as National League winners last season many backed Dave Challinor's men to be involved in the promotion shake-up in League Two this season but they made a slow start to life back in the EFL.
They were 19th in October, having claimed just two wins from their opening 11 league games.
However, things picked up from there and they really clicked into gear after a 1-0 reverse at AFC Wimbledon, losing just one of their final 18 league matches to go into the final day in contention for the final automatic promotion place.
Northampton's win at Tranmere consigned them to a play-off match-up with neighbours Salford City.
The Ammies took a 1-0 lead into the second leg at Edgeley Park but the Hatters eventually came through on penalties after an exciting 2-2 draw.
County keeper Ben Hinchliffe was the hero with two shootout saves. Will he be called upon to do the same again today?
The road to Wembley - Carlisle
Carlisle v Stockport (13:30 BST)
Rex FeaturesCopyright: Rex Features
Ben Barclay (right) was Carlisle's hero last week but the Stockport loanee will be in the stands todayImage caption: Ben Barclay (right) was Carlisle's hero last week but the Stockport loanee will be in the stands today
Carlisle boss Paul Simpson has overseen a tremendous turnaround in his side's fortunes this season.
The former England Under-20 boss came in late last season to save his hometown club from relegation back to non-league and had them going in the right direction from the get-go this campaign.
Only the top three and Salford spent more days in League Two's top seven than the Cumbrians.
Automatic promotion looked to be on the cards when they climbed back up to third on 7 April but just one win in their final six matches meant they had to settle for the play-offs.
Despite losing the first leg of their semi-final 1-0 at Bradford, Simpson's men prevailed in extra-time of the second leg to claim a 3-2 aggregate win and reach a Football League play-off final for the first time in their history.
Hatters hit the highest of heights
FT: Coventry 1-1 Luton (5-6 penalties)
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
What a way to start the play-off finals yesterday was.
It's less than 18 hours since Luton won promotion to the Premier League with a penalty shoot out win over Coventry City.
Now? The pitch has been cleared and primed for the League Two play-off final.
Can Paul Simpson lead his home town team to a first promotion since 2006 or will Dave Challinor guide Stockport into the third tier at the first time of asking?
Live Reporting
Ian Woodcock
All times stated are UK
The road to Wembley - Stockport
Carlisle v Stockport (13:30 BST)
It's been a season of two halves for the Hatters.
Promoted as National League winners last season many backed Dave Challinor's men to be involved in the promotion shake-up in League Two this season but they made a slow start to life back in the EFL.
They were 19th in October, having claimed just two wins from their opening 11 league games.
However, things picked up from there and they really clicked into gear after a 1-0 reverse at AFC Wimbledon, losing just one of their final 18 league matches to go into the final day in contention for the final automatic promotion place.
Northampton's win at Tranmere consigned them to a play-off match-up with neighbours Salford City.
The Ammies took a 1-0 lead into the second leg at Edgeley Park but the Hatters eventually came through on penalties after an exciting 2-2 draw.
County keeper Ben Hinchliffe was the hero with two shootout saves. Will he be called upon to do the same again today?
The road to Wembley - Carlisle
Carlisle v Stockport (13:30 BST)
Carlisle boss Paul Simpson has overseen a tremendous turnaround in his side's fortunes this season.
The former England Under-20 boss came in late last season to save his hometown club from relegation back to non-league and had them going in the right direction from the get-go this campaign.
Only the top three and Salford spent more days in League Two's top seven than the Cumbrians.
Automatic promotion looked to be on the cards when they climbed back up to third on 7 April but just one win in their final six matches meant they had to settle for the play-offs.
Despite losing the first leg of their semi-final 1-0 at Bradford, Simpson's men prevailed in extra-time of the second leg to claim a 3-2 aggregate win and reach a Football League play-off final for the first time in their history.
Hatters hit the highest of heights
FT: Coventry 1-1 Luton (5-6 penalties)
What a way to start the play-off finals yesterday was.
Luton ultimately prevailed to win promotion to the Premier League for the first time and become the first team to go from the top flight down to non-league and all the way back again.
It was tough on Coventry and especially full-back Fankaty Dabo who sliced his penalty high and wide to send Rob Edwards' men up.
Can Stockport make it a Wembley Hatters double today?
Once more unto the breach...
Carlisle v Stockport (13:30 BST)
It's less than 18 hours since Luton won promotion to the Premier League with a penalty shoot out win over Coventry City.
Now? The pitch has been cleared and primed for the League Two play-off final.
Can Paul Simpson lead his home town team to a first promotion since 2006 or will Dave Challinor guide Stockport into the third tier at the first time of asking?
Thirty minutes until kick off. Let's get going!