Wolverhampton W 1 - 1 Leicester City
What a difference a year makes. This time last season Wolves approached the play-offs resembling a punch-drunk boxer after their Devon Loch-style collapse with the gate to the Premiership not so much in sight as gaping open.
Fast forward 12 months, however, and there is an ominous sense of purpose as they prepare to atone for that spectacular failure.
"I think we felt we'd lost something last year," said the manager Dave Jones. "We were running on empty, we'd picked up injuries and there was nothing left. I think if we'd have got through the Norwich game in the play-off semis, then we could have kicked on from there.
"With the automatic promotion spots gone this season, we feel we have achieved our second aim, which was to get in the play-offs. There's no doubt we are in a better frame of mind this time."
That was evident from their display in what was seen as a meaningless fixture against opponents who, as their manager Micky Adams admitted a week ago, were almost on the beach after securing promotion themselves.
As Wolves had already qualified for the play-offs, all that was at stake for them was whether they will meet Reading or Sheffield United in the semi-finals. In the event they will play the former but, on yesterday's evidence, they will fear neither.
The Scottish striker Kenny Miller looked sharp in attack, as did his compatriot Colin Cameron in midfield. As for Paul Ince, is there such a thing as a meaningless game to him?
Miller adorned his display by putting Wolves in front with a superbly set-up and executed goal that saw him leave two Leicester defenders in his wake before sliding the ball past Ian Walker.
It was a goal worthy of winning any game; that it did not was due to a harsh hand-ball decision against Ludo Pollet leading to a penalty that Trevor Benjamin converted.
By then Adams had introduced the former England goalkeeper Tim Flowers to end his playing career against the club where he began it.
"I'm an old softie really," said Adams. "I was privileged not only to play in the same team as Tim but also to manage him. He's been a fantastic ambassador for the game."
Flowers, whose contract with Leicester expires in June, is in line to join the club's coaching staff. By con trast, others in the same situation will not be so fortunate and will learn their fate on Wednesday.
"Our retained list will be published on Wednesday and it would be wrong for me to say anything before that," added Adams. "These players have served me well this season and done all that was asked of them. I owe it to those who won't be staying to look them in the eye and tell them."
Adams, of course, has some contractual negotiations of his own to deal with and they have already begun. It may be some while, however, before the outcome is known.
"I've been offered a new contract and I'll take it away and have a good look at it," he said. "It's not cast in stone and I don't expect anything to be resolved for a few weeks."
Man of the match: Kenny Miller (Wolves)