IAN Long warned Alvechurch that only their best will be good enough to continue their record-breaking FA Vase run.
The Churchmen were due to travel to Humberside today (Friday) for an overnight stay ahead of their last 32 tie with Cleethorpes Town.
It will be Alvechurch’s first appearance in the fourth round of the minnows’ biggest knockout competition and manager Long says they must show no fear against the Northern Counties East Premier Division side.
It is Alvechurch’s fifth successive away draw and Cleethorpes have won five of their last six games, but Alvechurch’s 6-0 win at Bilston Town in Wednesday’s JW Hunt Cup clash was their 13th victory in a row.
Long said: “Cleethorpes are a good side, a tough side and very competitive. I went to watch them in the last round at Handsworth Parramore in Worksop so I know a little bit about them.
“But it’s about how we play. If we play to our potential, I fancy us to go through. I believe we can have a really good run in this competition.
“Step Five – the Midland Premier – is the equally highest ranked competition of all the teams in the Vase and we are third favourites according to the bookies.
“They don’t get it wrong. As my dad always said, you don’t see any bookies going to work on their bikes”.
Hereford – Alvechurch’s Midland Premier title rivals – are 2/1 favourites, whilst Salisbury – under Steve Claridge – are 4/1 and Alvechurch 10/1.
After two postponements in a row, Long was delighted to see Alvechurch get vital match practice on Wednesday at Bilston. Jordan Nadat netted four goals, with Connor Deards and youth teamer Danny Moy also on target.
Hot-shot Nadat, however, will be sidelined for the Vase tie because he is cup-tied.
“Jordan will be a big miss but we have got options with Nick Wright and Karl Edwards,” added Long. “Jack Cresswell also did well on Wednesday to leave us with some decisions to make.”
Ryan Winwood is a major doubt with a virus, but Dave Bellis had a 45-minutes run-out on Wednesday while Sam Williams also comes into contention.
