ALVECHURCH are now just three days away from embarking on their first appearance in the first-round proper of the FA Cup in 49 years.
Backed by over 1,400 travelling supporters, Church will make the trip to League One side Cheltenham Town as the lowest ranked side left in the draw.
Around 13-14 coaches will leave the small Worcestershire village-town on Saturday morning, packed with fans ready to fill out the away end at the The Completely-Suzuki Stadium in Cheltenham for a 3PM kick-off.
Church manager Ian Long admits his side are up against it, but he is ready to relish every second of the day.
"Obviously we’re massive underdogs," said Long.
"There’s no pressure on us whatsoever. So we’ve just got to enjoy the occasion, savour the moment.
"It’s only the second time in my career I’ve managed to get to this stage of the FA Cup and I’m 47 years of age.
"We’ve only got one player in the whole dressing room that got to the First Round proper before, Ash Carter."
Church reached the first round after beating an in-form Worksop Town in the final round of qualifying.
Worksop were on a hot streak of 11 wins in a row before they travelled to Lye Meadow for the Fourth Qualifying Round and against all odds found themselves 3-0 down after 48 minutes.
Two late goals from the visitors gave Long a fright but Alvechurch hung on to the delight of over 1,000 jubilant home supporters.
"I was terrified," admitted Long.
"We dominated the game to be fair and well worth our 3-0 lead. You just felt the momentum was with them in those last couple of minutes once they got one.
"We were wobbling a little bit but it would’ve been a travesty if we hadn’t come through the tie.
"It was mayhem when the final whistle went. We had a load of the kids teams down there and they all invaded the pitch. All good natured and great scenes.
"I had a skinful afterwards. I came round about Wednesday. We’ve got quite a young squad and they’re quite professional. They don’t really drink that much beer to be fair.
"But me and my coaching staff got on it and had a good night."
And if dreams really do come true and the FA Cup magic is really with the Step 3 non-league club, you can expect it could be another heavy night for all involved with Alvechurch.
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