MANAGER Carl Heeley insists his players have a “long way to go” to match Worcester City’s previous exploits in the Emirates FA Cup after progressing to the third qualifying round.

Second-half goals from Cieron Keane, Chekaine Steele and Lee Hughes saw City come from 1-0 down to beat 10-man AFC Telford United 3-1 at the New Bucks Head.

The victory puts Worcester, who have secured plum ties against Coventry City, Scunthorpe and Sheffield United in recent years, on track to reaching the first round for the third successive season.

However, Heeley says City have only overcome the “first hurdle” as they prepare to face Brackley Town at the Victoria Ground in the next round on Saturday, October 1.

“Everybody wants to do what we have done in the last couple of seasons,” said Heeley, whose side are two wins away from giving themselves a chance of being drawn against a Football League outfit.

“The FA Cup means a lot to the players, myself, Snap (assistant manager John Snape) and all of the staff.

“We all want to go to Sheffield United and Coventry City. But there is a long way to go.

“That was the first hurdle. It was a very tough draw but we have overcome it.

“We have got another tough draw against Brackley and if we perform to our capabilities it’s a tie we can win.”

The competition has also seen cash-strapped City secure valuable funds in the past two years and they raked in £4,500 following their success at Telford.

But Heeley added: “As I have always said, the prize money is not the players' drive. That takes care of itself.

“Their drive is to win games in the FA Cup and look to get a bit of national exposure.”