ALVECHURCH will be bracing themselves for a bumper crowd after being drawn at home to face local rivals Bromsgrove Sporting in the FA Cup Preliminary Round.

The tie is set to take place on Saturday, August 25 at Alvechurch's Lye Meadow ground and Church boss Ian Long insisted:

"It's the perfect tie. A real earner for the club. I might well ask the chairman for an increase to my playing budget on the strength of it!

Ironically both clubs were set to meet in a pre-season friendly fixture and Long admitted: "I don't know whether that game will go ahead now. The FA Cup game has to take priority.

"Whatever the outcome, it's an exciting tie for both clubs, great for the area and something to really look forward to.

"It will bring a much bigger crowd than we're used to and there's every chance we'll be heavily outnumbered by the away support.

"I'm just hoping that the people of Alvechurch react to it and turn out to support us.

"It's a big game for both sides, especially as so many of the players will know each other.

"It's going to be a difficult game as well, especially as both sides have only known success in recent years.

"But make no mistake, it's a game that both side will want to win and progress, especially considering the prize money which is at stake.

Elsewhere, Stourport Swifts take on Midland League rivals Shawbury United in the Extra Preliminary Round on Saturday, August 11, while Tividale face a tough trip to higher ranked Sporting Khalsa.

The winners of both ties will face each other in the Preliminary Round on August 25 with either Swifts or Shawbury enjoying home advantage.