The queue began early, three hours before the office was due to open.

But then nobody wants to miss out on watching Arsenal at Valley Parade.

Phase two of City’s sales operation kicked in this week. After the season-ticket and flexi-card holders, finally the rest got their chance.Those who had paid full whack to watch either home game with Plymouth or Exeter or both.

But still there were no guarantees because of the unprecedented demand to see City’s first appearance in a cup quarter-final for a quarter of a century.

Hence the early, early birds braving the driving ran to make sure of their spot – and their seat on December 11.

At one point, the queue was up to 200 long. Yet by late morning, it had reduced to dribs and drabs as the initial burst calmed down.

The staff in the ticket office weren’t complaining. They’ve not had much opportunity to catch their breath since the dream draw was first announced.

It’s still over a fortnight away – there are two other cup ties in the way first – but nobody’s been waiting in the rain to make sure of seeing the JPT game at Port Vale.

Arsenal conversations remain off limits in the dressing room. But elsewhere it remains the talk of the town.

And the only reason worth getting up early for.