ALVECHURCH produced a scintillating performance to thrash higher-division Spalding United 4-0 and reach the first round of the FA Cup.

Church stunned National League North side Spalding at Lye Meadow in a fourth round qualifying replay as goals from Danny Newton and Jamey Osborne put the home side in command at the break.

And Newton struck again after the interval before Miracle Okafor completed the scoring on a memorable night for Kyle Storer’s side.

The win means Alvechurch will travel to League One side Plymouth Argyle in the first round proper on the weekend of Saturday, November 7.

Church forced a replay after Okafor scored a brace, including an injury-time penalty, in a 2-2 at Spalding last weekend after Dan Jarvis scored twice to put the home side in command.

Storer’s side dominated proceedings in the replay as Danny Newton broke the deadlock on 26 minutes when he controlled a weak headed clearance and drilled a shot into the bottom right corner from 15-yards.

And Alvechurch doubled their lead five minutes before half time when Osborne curled a stunning free-kick over Spalding goalkeeper Peter Crook and into the top-right corner from the left edge of the penalty area.

The home side struck again four minutes after half time as Spalding failed to clear a free-kick into the box from the right and Newton lashed a shot into the roof of the net from just inside the box.

And Okafor put Church four goals ahead on 57 minutes as the striker raced in-behind the Spalding defence and coolly finished past Crook when one-on-one to leave the visitors shell-shocked.

Church have reached the first round proper stage for the second time in the space of five seasons.

Alvechurch are next in action against Stratford Town on Saturday, October 24 with kick-off at 3pm at the Arden Garages Stadium.

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