ALVECHURCH will be hoping to bounce back from the disappointment of exiting the FA Cup by progressing in the FA Vase.

The Lye Meadow outfit take on Lichfield City at home in the first qualifying round on Saturday (3pm ko) having lost to Stourport Swifts in the FA Cup 1-0 on Saturday.

Jamie Willetts bagged the winner for Alvechurch’s Worcestershire rivals to end their involvement in the famous competition.

But manager Ian Long was in upbeat mood after watching his side bounce back on Monday in the Midlands League Premier with a 3-1 win over Highgate United.

Joshua March had fired them ahead before United levelled the scores. Connor Deards and Karl Edwards struck after the break as Alvechurch made it four league wins in a row.

Long said: “I thought we were very unlucky to lose to Stourport, we hit the woodwork four times.

“We even cleared one off the line for them when Connor Deards headed an effort that was going in wide from close range.

“He was offside as well, but it was just one of those games. I was very proud of the way we bounced back against Highgate. We had to stand up to them physically and we also played some lovely football on the deck. I am very pleased with the football we are playing, we try to play the right way.

“I would love us to go on a run in the FA Vase, if we get a bit of luck, I don’t believe there’s many sides better than us.”

Church have put in a seven-day approach for Coleshill centre forward Luke Barlone. Long expects to talk to former Rushall Olympic today (Wednesday).