THE FA Cup. The only cup competition where every minnow dreams of pitting their wits against global superstars.
On Sunday, Worcester City will aim to make it through to the First Round Proper of the prestigious competition for the first time since Andy Preece guided the Blue and Whites to a Second Round tie against Huddersfield Town at St George’s Lane.
Chris Brandon’s solitary strike that day helped the ten-man Terriers to a 1-0 win and a trip to Chelsea in the next round.
Although there will be no repeat of that tie should Carl Heeley’s side progress – as Huddersfield ply their trade in the Championship – a victory over minnows Greenwich Borough could potentially set up a trip to the likes of 1987 winners Coventry City, last season’s semi-finalists Sheffield United or League One high-fliers Bristol City.
Worcester haven’t tasted a run in the showcase of English football since that day more than nine years ago, and they won’t get a better opportunity to do so than on Sunday.
Greenwich Borough are one of just three teams left in the country’s ninth tier, and with victories over Rugby Town and Leamington already under their belt, City must not let complacency creep into their performance and they will be confident of a third success.
There is no doubt the players will see a visit to the Ricoh Arena or Bramall Lane as incentive enough, but the financial benefit for a club with a history of money problems would be huge.
With prize money of £7,500 collected for their Third Qualifying Round victory against The Brakes, £12,500 has now been dangled in front of the two sides for today’s winners.
Whatever the incentives, whatever the benefits, let’s hope every Worcester City fan will be keeping their eyes open on Monday night (October 27) for that potential glamour tie.