 A forgettable 1995–96 season followed (though a run to the fourth round of the FA Cup proved to be a bright point, in addition to a testimonial at the end of the season) and things came together again in 1996–97, with Bates making 45 appearances and scoring two goals as Brentford reached the 1997 Second Division play-off final.Once again Bates' season ended in heartbreak after a 1–0 defeat to Crewe Alexandra at Wembley Stadium.Bates improved his appearance tally to 47 in the 1997–98 season, but a disastrous campaign saw the Bees relegated to the Third Division on the final day.