COULD have been better, could have been worse.

That was Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson’s reaction to his side being drawn away at Championship outfit Coventry City in the FA Cup third round.

Parkinson was hoping Wrexham would receive a home tie against one of the Premier League giants but the reward for beating Farnborough 4-1 at home on Saturday is a clash with the Sky Blues at The Coventry Building Society Arena.

Coventry, managed by Mark Robins who has former Reds’ defender Dennis Lawrence as his first team coach, have climbed up to 11th in the Championship after winning their last four league games.

Parkinson never got his dream draw but he is not too disappointed to be facing Coventry, with the tie due to be played between Friday January 6, 2023 and Monday January 9, 2023, and is expecting a good test.

“It could have been a better tie, a more attractive tie in terms of the clubs that were in there, but all-in-all it is a decent draw for us,” said Parkinson.

“We all wanted to try and get one of the big boys, it wasn’t to be, but it is a middle of the road kind of tie against a really good Championship team.

“It is not a really long journey and it is a great stadium.

“It will be a good test and hopefully we can take a good following down there and make it a cracking cup tie.

“That is what our intention will be.”

Wrexham have reached this stage of the famous cup competition for the first time since the 2014-15 season.

But before facing Coventry, Parkinson’s National League leaders have some important league games in the push for promotion, starting with Saturday’s trip to York City.

The Reds’ boss is firmly focused on the job in hand.

“When that cup game comes around, we will be ready for it,” added Parkinson.

“We will put that to one side now, I think that is important, and concentrate on what we have got to do.”