WORCESTER City will face their biggest match in almost a decade after being handed an FA Cup first round proper trip to 1987 winners Coventry City.

Carl Heeley’s side have been paired with the League One Sky Blues for the clash at the Ricoh Arena on Saturday, November 8.

It is the most prestigious game for City since they took on Huddersfield Town live on the BBC in the second round in 2005.

It was one of the stand-out ties from last night’s draw, which was made at Burton’s St George’s Park by former Manchester United and England defender Phil Neville and Tammy Snape, a junior coach in Derbyshire.

City’s place in the BBC Two showpiece was secured with Sunday’s 2-1 victory over minnows Greenwich Borough at Aggborough, courtesy of goals from captain Ellis Deeney and second-half substitute Daniel Nti.

Reaching this stage of the competition was described by chairman Anthony Hampson as one of the proudest moments of his tenure.

The match will evoke memories of City’s third round tie against Coventry in 1983, which Worcester lost 3-1.

Hampson, who took over as chairman from Dave Boddy six years ago, said: “Getting through to the first round of the FA Cup is one of my proudest moments as chairman of the club.

“I am delighted for manager Carl Heeley and the playing staff for having given the club such a huge boost by raising our profile and adding to the prestige that now goes with the blue and white shirt.

"I’m also delighted for Pinches Transport, our sponsors, who have given us the confidence to build the team to this level.”

On-field success has been in short supply during Hampson’s reign with the focus very much on the club’s survival following the demolition of St George’s Lane.

The 62-year-old was also a key figure in the termination of the contract with St Modwen to move the club to Nunnery Way and is now looking to work with the supporters’ trust over a new stadium at Perdiswell.

City have already banked £24,500 in prize money — along with their share of gate receipts from the matches against Rugby, Leamington (twice) and Greenwich — and there is another £18,000 for the winners in the first round.

Sunday’s match was also watched by a crowd of 896, comfortably City’s highest of the campaign, and Hampson is hoping the fans will come back for more.

The Worcester chief added: “It was nervy on Sunday and no doubt will be for any other of the rounds we may be lucky enough to get through.

“The atmosphere was electric, particularly up to and after we hit the winner, and it’s great to see the supporters coming back in numbers to back the club and certainly get their money’s worth in the entertainment stakes.

“Let’s just hope for their sake we can keep our momentum going.”

n City’s supporter’s club are running a coach to Saturday’s league match at Leamington. It leaves the Postal Order on Foregate Street at 10.40am and seats cost £11.

Call Keith Chambers on 01905-358193 or 07712-457698 to book.