NICK Colley knows more than most what it's like to play in the FA Trophy final.

The Worcester City midfielder was part of the Tamworth side that lost 2-1 to Burscough in the 2003 final at Villa Park.

Despite defeat, that day in the spotlight in front of 14,265 spectators still holds many fond memories for Colley.

He said: "I was fortunate enough to play in the final. Every kids' dream is to reach the FA Cup final and when it happens in the Trophy final you get a little bit of that.

"Unfortunately I lost, but it was still a great day and you have got all your family there.

"We were widely expected to win after winning promotion but our form dropped off towards the end of the season and it wasn't to be."

Colley is hoping to go one better with City this season and lift the most prestigious piece of silverware in non-league football next May.

The 32-year-old has already experienced cup success with Worcester after reaching the FA Cup second round last season, a match Huddersfield Town won 1-0 at St George's Lane.

But he believes a trophy final, possibly at the new Wembley Stadium if it is ready in time, would eclipse that.

"To play on TV is one thing but to play in the cup final, it's an opportunity to put yourself on the map," said Colley, who chalked up 100 appearances for City earlier this season.

He also knows the team face a tough test of their credentials in tomorrow night's re-arranged first round tie at fellow Nationwide North side Barrow.

The game, scheduled for last Saturday, was called off because of a waterlogged pitch.

Colley, who has made 22 starts for City this season, added: "We have got to do a job at Barrow first and see what happens from there. It's not a game you take lightly because it's difficult to go to Barrow and get something."

If successful tomorrow night, the former Lambs player believes City have a realistic chance of going a long way in the competition, particularly if they get some luck in the draw.

The winners of the Holker Street encounter have been handed a home match against Nigel Clough's Conference outfit Burton Albion.

Colley said: "We are capable if the draws are kind to us. When I got through to the final we beat three Conference sides along the way.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for a club as good as Worcester to get to the final. They have got a great opportunity to get there.

"I would like to say to them every time we play how easy it is to get to the final. A few good performances and suddenly you are in the quarter-finals."