WHITCHURCH Alport begin their FA Cup adventure on Saturday.

North West Counties League Premier Division side Irlam provide the opposition as the Midlands Premier League hosts the extra preliminary round tie.

Manager Adam Shillcock said: "Our preparation for FA Cup this weekend is in full flight and the performance against Stafford Rangers epitomises of how we are growing as a unit.

"It was not so long ago that there was six levels that separated the clubs in the pyramid. Stafford Ranges played their strongest 11 and we were resilient and absorbed the moments to take a comfortable 2-0 win at their place so I was made up for the lads.

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"Our aim should be to achieve our best ever run in the FA cup and the result against Stafford Rangers should breathe a confidence into the squad that we can achieve this."

Shillcock praised summer signings Josh Beamond and Ellis Turner for their bright pre-season form while new signing Keefe Williams has bolstered the defence after arriving from Shifnal Town.

However Cameron Dourish, Reuben Evans and Harry Farnsworth are injury doubts and captain Craig Pritchard is suspended.

Shillcock added: "Our preparation has been good and we’ve constantly been fine tweaking our craft throughout the process.

"Josh Beamond has given us an edge in attacking area’s and I’ve been impressed with what he can offer us. Ellis Turner is also starting to demonstrate what he can offer the club having played two 90 minutes in the last week. He has a calmness and control in midfield which is refreshing.

"I don’t expect anyone else to come into the group now. That being said we will always be in the market for people that fit the right profile for the football club.

"We are cutting our cloth accordingly and building a club with a younger group underpinned by hard work both on the pitch and the training field. The best version of this of this group is about six weeks weeks away as we pick up more momentum and confidence.

"This is a new long term project where we need to invest into these men so they can produce the good for Alport.

"Of course success breads success and I need us to pack the park on Saturday and everyone join us on this journey. The Alport faithful, our 12th man, is critical to us on this journey and I look forward to seeing them all this Saturday."