Since automatic promotion from the Conference began back in 1987, only two other former non-League clubs have reached this landmark, Scarborough, who lasted 11 seasons after being the first side promoted automatically, and Wycombe Wanderers who have set the benchmark for all other promoted sides and are currently pushing for a return to League One this season.

Automatic promotion has not always led to success. Maidstone United, the second club to make the step up, were bankrupt within two seasons. A string of former League clubs then used the promotion place to regain their League status before Wycombe Wanderers gave the League its next new face in 1993. The next three years then brought disappointment as League ground grading rules prevented Kidderminster Harriers, Macclesfield and Stevenage Borough from advancing despite their title win.

The Silkmen's failure to meet League ground regulations was probably the most controversial as Chester City had played League matches at Moss Rose for two seasons in the recent past. But the club overcame this disappointment and under manager Sammy McIlroy, won the FA Trophy at Wembley in 1996 and a 4-1 win at Kettering Town on the final day of the 1996/97 season finally secured their promotion to the Football League.

After a summer of frantic preparations, now full time professional Silkmen famously won its first League game with a 2-1 victory over Torquay United, with the all-important first goal coming from talismanic defender Efe Sodje. Little did anyone know how important that win would be as the Silkmen made the Moss Rose a fortress to go the season unbeaten at home.

Beating near neighbours Stockport County 6-0 in the first Moss Rose League meeting between the clubs on Boxing Day 2005 comes high up the list as do a 5-0 win away at the Leagues oldest club, Notts County being the largest wins and an incredible 5-4 victory at Wycombe.

The Silkmen have been through promotion battles and relegation fights, and have regularly seen off a string of clubs who consider themselves far bigger fish, often outperforming better supported clubs with bigger budgets. The last 11 years has even seen the club scoring at Middlesbrough and Stamford Bridge, and comfortably beating both Bolton and Barnsley in the League Cup.

The Millenium Stadium has been in clear view for the club twice, with the Blues minutes from the final in the play-offs and LDV Vans Trophy a couple of years ago.

Club chairman Mike Rance said:

"It's a fantastic achievement for the club to reach 500 games in the Football League and fans can all rest assured that we are determined to go for another 500 and beyond. When we were first promoted very few people gave us much of a chance of lasting 50 games, let alone ten times that many but the immense first season proved them how well this great club is capable of doing.

"That season of 'Fortress Moss Rose' saw a real connection between players, management and the supporters and it is that sort of bond that can help drive the team on in the future. This Easter Monday fixture is a big occasion for the Silkmen as not only does it mark our 500^th game, but it could make a huge difference to our chances of enhancing our chances of survival.

This historic match kicks off at 3.00pm on Bank Holiday Monday with entrance prices for adults as low as £10 and all kids under 12 are free.