ALVECHURCH booked their place in the FA Cup preliminary round and set up a mouth-watering clash at Hereford with a 2- success at Haughmond.

Jordan Nadat opened the scoring before a late penalty by Zac Foster ensured the Lye Meadow outfit’s safe passage to the next round on Saturday, August 20.

Last season, Church were pipped to top spot and promotion in the Midlands League Premier Division by the newly-formed Bulls but pushed them all the way in an enthralling campaign.

Long admitted he could not watch Foster take the penalty, because of the club’s inability to score spot kicks last year which damaged their title charge.

But the chance to play at Edgar Street in front of a large crowd in a money-spinning clash was more than enough incentive for the Worcestershire club.

Long said: “We were in control throughout and we didn’t look like we were going to concede apart from one moment.

“The penalty late on was a bit harsh and I closed my eyes. Luckily, Zac scored and I saw the video of it later. We also won a pre-season shootout as well, so I am hoping that curse has been put to bed.

“It was important to progress in the FA Cup; we’re never going to win it but it can generate some cash which is vital for clubs at our level.

“We enjoyed our rivalry with Hereford last season and we’d like to maintain it because they’re a big club.”

Alvechurch also signed former Redditch United and Kidderminster Harriers striker Jamie Spencer last week.

Spencer, who previously had a prolific spell at Church, had spent pre-season at United but was told he was free to go.

He’s endured a nomadic career recently, having scored goals for Rushall and his move to Kidderminster not working out due to a serious injury.

Long said: “I am hoping we help Jamie get back to his best.

“He’s been unlucky in recent years because of injury but I am hoping the drop down will help him rediscover his scoring touch.”

Meanwhile, Alvechurch have made a slight increase to ticket prices.

Adults (over-16s) will pay £6 for entry, students and over-65s will pay £4 and under-fives can get in free.