Boss Tim Harris believes it is “about time” Worcester City enjoyed a run in the FA Cup, a competition that holds a special place in the heart of the manager.

Harris was involved in famous cup runs with both Cinderford Town and Newport County.

Worcester City will face local rivals Malvern Town in the extra-preliminary round on August 6, a tie that Harris is looking forward to.

“The FA Cup holds a special memory to myself,” he said.

“I have had some great FA Cup runs in my career. But I think it’s about time we had ourselves a little run but Malvern won’t be easy, it’s a local derby, they will be up for it so it will be interesting.

“We will look forward to it when it comes around but we have plenty to focus on before then.”

City were dumped out of the cup at the first hurdle last season, in manager Harris’ first competitive game as boss.

Worcester were thumped 4-1 by Coventry United that day, but Harris believes his squad are in a better position to have a cup run this time around.

“We weren’t ready last year but this year we have stepped it up,” he added.

“We look more solid, more structured and that’s down to the work we have been doing in the 12 months since I have been here.”

Worcester have been as far as the second round proper, back in 2014, but the prestigious tournament is something still very new for a club like Malvern.

Town boss Lee Hooper is licking his lips at the prospect of a bumper crowd but admits it was “probably the toughest draw” his club could have had.

“For us as a club, it is a great draw,” said Hooper.

“A derby against a team with a lot of history in the competition and a decent following.

“For me, personally ,I think it is probably the toughest draw we could have got. Tim Harris has made some big signings over the summer and the calibre of players he has added means they will be very strong.

“We have put a lot of effort ourselves into being a side that can compete at this level still, but we are happy with where we are right now.

“Worcester have come down from levels above and now seem to be putting a lot into getting back up the pyramid and we are very much looking forward the challenge and if we can pull off a bit of an upset then it will be a great achievement and I will be a happy man come the final whistle.”