Exeter City dream draw takes the Grecians to the Etihad Stadium

When Exeter City marched into the Third Round of the FA Cup with a thumping 4-0 win over Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday, the dream scenario must have been a glory tie against one of the Premier League giants.

Second prize in the FA Cup is a winnable tie at home and all the potential prize money that can bring, but first choice is what every club outside the top-flight wants, and first choice is what the Grecians got.

The New Year will bring a trip to the mighty Manchester City for Exeter, surely a massive contender for live TV coverage, meaning even more cash for the coffers, which is ultimately what this competition is all about for the vast majority of clubs.

On the pitch, City can take inspiration from the exploits of Devon rivals Plymouth Argyle last term. Despite suffering relegation from the Championship, the Pilgrims enjoyed a superb win over Liverpool in the FA Cup and then travelled to Manchester City in the following round.

Argyle absolutely did not disgrace themselves at the Emirates, even taking the lead before being pegged back and eventually going down to a 3-1 defeat.

Incredibly, given a footballing history dating back well over a century for both clubs, Exeter City have never before played Manchester City in a competitive fixture, but they have famously ‘done a job’ over the road at Manchester United.

In 2005, the Grecians were drawn to play the Red Devils at Old Trafford and produced a famous performance to earn a 0-0 draw and a replay back at St James Park. The second game ended in a 2-0 loss but, given the United goals were scored by a couple of chaps called Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, it was still a proud night for Devon football.

Before all the FA Cup fun, City have some massive games in League One, as they look to move clear of relegation trouble. After the midweek visit from AFC Wimbledon, City have a tough trip to Bolton on Saturday.