ALVECHURCH are hoping in-form hitman Connor Deards will be fit enough to face AFC Wulfrunians away in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round on Saturday.

The hitman picked up an ankle knock in Saturday's 1-0 win over Walsall Wood but is expected to have recovered by the weekend.

The former Walsall youngster has begun the Midlands Football League in blistering form, scoring four goals in three games after hitting the back of the net six times during pre-season.

Alvechurch, who faced Kirby Muxloe at home on Tuesday night in the league, will be aiming to progress in the cup and earn the £1,500 prize money.

Manager Ross Thorpe said: "Connor took a knock in what was a very competitive game on Saturday.

"He's started the season really well and I am pleased for him and hopefully he will be back for AFC Wulfrunians.

"We want to progress in the FA Cup because of the finances but it won't be easy because AFC Wulfrunians are a well-organised side."

After their first three games, the Lye Meadow outfit are sixth in the table.

Deards hit the back of the net on Saturday as Alvechurch bounced back from their mid-week 4-3 loss to a strong Boldmere side, when Jermaine Clarke, Chris Hughes and Deards also scored.

Thorpe added: "It has been a good start to the season. We bounced back well from the Boldmere defeat and put in another great team display.

"Even though we lost to Boldmere, the performance was very good. We had one cleared off the line early on and they had one of those games where every effort went in."