Stourbridge-born Nicholls has never played at Amblecote before

Walsall winger Alex Nicholls is thrilled to be taking on his home-town club Stourbridge in the first round of this season's FA Cup.

Nicholls, 21, only moved out of the town six months ago and his family still live there.

"I didn't know they'd got that far, it's a massive achievement for them," he told BBC WM.

"I've never played there, but over the years a few of my friends have played for them and I've been to watch."

Nicholls has had to turn down ticket requests from friends and family for the sell-out game at Amblecote and he is well aware of the stiff task facing the Saddlers.

"It's going to be a tough game, it'll be hard fought, I'm sure it's going to be scrappy, a hundred miles an hour, a lot of long ball stuff - we know what to expect," he added.

"The FA Cup is a bit of magic, especially against my home town club - it's going to be great."

Nicholls has struggled to find his way into manager Chris Hutchings' starting line-up this season, but after netting the winner in last weekend's 3-2 success at Wycombe, he is hopeful of making the team at Stourbridge.

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