ASSISTANT boss Ashley Vincent has been regaling memories of his day under the spotlight ahead of Worcester City starting on the road to Wembley.

City set off on the FA Vase trail with a first-round tie at home to Midland Football League Premier Division rivals Long Eaton United tomorrow (3pm).

Finishing fourth last season saw Worcester bypass the qualifying rounds with the winners at the Victoria Ground, Bromsgrove, six stages from the final at the home of English football.

Vincent is no stranger to big occasions having played in Cheltenham Town’s League Two play-off final victory over Grimsby at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium in 2006.

And with that never-to-be-forgotten experience etched in his mind, he has been urging City’s players to seize their opportunity for themselves and the club.

“Fortunately we won so the day was a great experience for me to play in a showpiece like that,” said Vincent.

“It is one of those experiences no one can take away from you, regardless of whether you play for 10 or 15 years or just a couple.

“Getting there is a fantastic achievement, your family and friends get into it. The whole town can buy into it.

“With all of the positives coming out of Worcester City, getting to a final – whether it be through merit, luck or a bit of both – would create a huge buzz around the club and the city.

“This kind of competition can add real positivity. It keeps the mood high, it helps the players and staff keep confidence high and the fans something back, a bit of pride and a story to tell.

“There is a long way to go to get there, though. It is not about me but I know from experience how you have to earn the right and how difficult that is, something I will be looking to pass on to the players.

“The message is you cannot fluke your way to showpieces. However many rounds it takes, however many extra-time dramas or penalty shootouts you need, you earn the right to get there.

“The chance for teams at this level to get to Wembley is a massive thing, though, however big or small you feel that chance is.

“While it is there, you have to put all of your resources and effort into it and our boys are fully aware of the carrot at the end of it.

“We would all like to play or coach at Wembley but first and foremost, we have to treat Long Eaton with the respect they deserve while trying to perform to our standards and get the right result.”

City has reduced admission prices as part of Non League Day with supporters clubs for LGBT communities and continental fans of local Football League clubs like West Bromwich Albion, Aston Villa and Birmingham City encouraged to attend.