IAN LONG wants old foes Hereford to inspire Alvechurch when they start their FA Vase quest on Saturday.
The Lye Meadow boss says the Bulls’ exploits last season in reaching Wembley in non-league’s showpiece finale proved what can be achieved by a Midland League Premier Division club.
Step Five clubs are the highest eligible to enter the competition, but no Midland Premier, or formerly Midland Alliance, club, has ever won the Vase, despite Coalville Town (2011) and Hereford (2016) reaching the final.
Alvechurch enjoyed their best ever Vase run last season, bowing out in the last 32 to Cleethorpes, but Long admits his side could not have wished for a much tougher task to start this season’s campaign when they face fellow Midland Premier high-flyers Sporting Khalsa in a second round clash at Lye Meadow.
“We had a taste of success in the Vase last season and we want to go as far as we can this season,” said Long.
“Hereford showed what can be achieved by getting to the final last season. We weren’t far behind them in the league and when we played them.
“We’ve haven’t had the best of draws, playing one of the strongest sides in Step Five, but to go and progress far in the Vase you have to knock out good sides and Khalsa are certainly one of those.”
There will plenty of friendly rivalry – respective managers Long and Ian Rowe are close pals – and, as a 2-2 draw in September showed, there is little between the sides.
“We drew 2-2 in the league after going 2-0 up so we know it will be very competitive,” said Long. “They are very, very direct so we will need to defend resolutely.”
Alvechurch have certainly ticked that box in the last few weeks, with Saturday’s 3-0 win at Brocton a fourth clean sheet in a row and seventh league win in succession.
In-form Josh March was again on target at the Badgers, netting twice, with Dave Bellis also scoring.
One disappointment, however, was an injury to Ryan Winwood, which left him in hospital. The midfielder suffered a dislocated shoulder in an awkward fall and, while Alvechurch are now awaiting further diagnosis, Long fears Winwood could be missing for four to six weeks at least.
“It’s a big loss because Ryan has arguably been our player of the season so far,” said Long. “He popped the same shoulder at the end of last season when he was lifting weights in the gym so we’re waiting to see the extent of the damage.
“Hopefully we can get him back before Christmas.”
Defender Mark Smith will have a fitness check on hamstring and knee problems before the Khalsa game, while forward Danny Dubidat is ineligible. Jamie Spencer, Josh Cook and youngster Danny Moy all come into contention for an attacking role.
Moy continued a remarkable record of scoring in every game he has played in this season – for the youth team, U21s and first team – when he netted in Tuesday night’s 3-0 friendly win at Studley. Josh Sarmento and Connor Deards also netted.