I used to be a gas tech - they sell lighters with long flexible necks that work greater for those older style pilots lights. They also have heavy duty long wooden matches that are cheaper - but the lighter is the way to go and will last a very long time

Edit: well I see now the thermocouple is really close (not way back in the appliance like I thought in the above response) you just need to heat it up first like the other comments are saying