IT is often said that the best things come to those who wait.

That certainly seems to be the case with Worcester City, who have waited nine years to reach the FA Cup first round proper.

During that time, they have lost three times in the final qualifying round, including once on penalties and once in the final minute.

The Blue and Whites have had their fair share of cup heartbreak down the years.

But now they have their reward – a dream draw against 1987 winners Coventry City at the Ricoh Arena.

That’s not overstating the point either.

All non-league teams hanker after the lucrative tie against former giants of the game, and there were a few with Portsmouth, Sheffield United and Preston North End all in the hat.

But seldom do such things become reality. They are very much a case of odds-against.

Which is why Worcester must savour this moment and immerse themselves in it.

Most of this team will never have experienced anything on this scale, some may never do so again.

For relative youngsters like captain Ellis Deeney, George Williams, Graham Hutchison and Daniel Nti, this is their first taste of the big time beyond youth football.

Sean Geddes has twice gone beyond this stage before with Stourbridge and will be looking to spring another surprise.

Tyler Weir was part of the Hereford United squad that went to Sheffield Wednesday in the fourth round in 2011 but never got on the pitch. This is his moment, too.

Wayne Thomas and Danny Jackman have enjoyed the limelight in the past but are coming towards the end of their careers. This is their chance to write another chapter for their memoirs.

Manager Carl Heeley is another who was no stranger to big FA Cup occasions as a player but now he gets to pit his wits against a team who just 13 years ago were playing in the Premier League.

Not forgetting the fans either. They have waited more than most, often following City around more in hope than expectation.

That, though, has changed in recent seasons and now they finally have their reward.