Manager Jimmy Dean insists Spalding United's FA Cup hopes are still very much alive and kicking despite facing a tricky midweek replay.

The Tulips travel to Worcestershire tonight (Tuesday) to face Alvechurch following Saturday's 2-2 draw at the Sir Halley Stewart ground.

Dean's charges have been indifferent on their travels so far this season having drawn at Bury Town in the last round while suffering National League North defeats at both Marine and Chorley.

Dean said: "The dynamic of the game will change with them being at home and it will be a lot more difficult for us.

"They've got some very good players and they move the ball around well but their pitch isn't the best and ours is which suited what they were trying to do on Saturday.

"Hopefully the areas which we play in will see it favour us more in the replay.

"Our best opportunity has gone but it doesn't mean our opportunity has gone because it isn't over yet."

The winners will travel to face League One side Plymouth Argyle in the first round proper.

The Tulips have taken Ejiro Abbey on loan from Peterborough United and he was included in their squad at the weekend as an unused substitute.

Abbey is now in his second season with the League One and has previous experience in non-league football with Isthmian League side Binfield.

He is one of two new attacking recruits for the Tulips who have also re-signed Joe Nyahwema who first joined the club during Elliot Sandy's management tenure and caught the attention of higher level teams with some eye-catching displays.

The former Burton Albion youngster eventually moved onto National League North side King's Lynn and his return to the Sir Halley Stewart is subject to international clearance following a spell in Australia with Dandenong Thunder.

Boss Dean commented: "Both players are real flyers.

"Posh rate Ejiro very highly and he's got a non-league background so he gets it which is really important for a young lad.

"He's got to get up to speed with what we do but he will definitely help us and I expect to see an impact from him.

"Everyone knows Joe at the club and he was outstanding for us. If we can get him going then the sky is the limit and the Football League could beckon because I think he is that good.

"He will take a couple of weeks to get up to speed but he's a really exciting signing who will help solve the conundrum we've had in the final third with so many players out injured."

The Tulips did welcome back Bart Cybulski and Dion Sembie-Ferris at the weekend but are still without Liam Moore, Yusifu Ceesay, Jack Roberts, Tom Pugh and Tosin Olopade.