MALVERN Town’s Matt Fusco can’t wait to get stuck into Saturday’s Buildbase FA Vase third-round tie at home to Atherstone Town (3pm).

The midfielder had his appetite whetted stepping out in front of almost 400 spectators in the previous round on November 13 when Town beat higher-ranked Loughborough University 5-4 after extra-time.

Fusco has helped his side to eighth in Hellenic League Division One West with the club eyeing a promotion push in the second half of the season.

But first Malvern will look to equal their record Vase run by seeing off the Midland League Division One visitors.

Fusco said: “I’m really looking forward to the game. It will be special for the whole club.

“We are expecting a tough battle and we know that our standards are going to have to be high across the whole squad.

“The last round was fantastic, it was a memorable night on and off the pitch and to get the win in the manner that we did says a lot about the ability and character that exists within this squad.

“The support that we received was as always top-drawer and it gave us a great buzz, something that we want to experience again and again.”

Fusco is enjoying playing on the new artificial surface at the HDanywhere Community Stadium and is proud of the facilities now at the club’s disposal.

“The whole environment is easily the best that I’ve seen at this level,” he added.

“The chairman (Chris Pinder) and club have done an amazing job and as players we are ready to give back to everyone who has helped us on this journey.

“From a personal point of view I am happy with my performances so far. I want to carry on contributing wherever I am asked to play.

“I’m happy to have three or four goals under my belt so far and a few assists but I know that I have to keep working for the team to improve and contribute more.

“As a team we’ve played well but we know that there is always room for improvement. We’ll keep fighting on all fronts to achieve our targets as a team and a club.

“We’re so lucky to have such great support from our fans and hopefully we’ll get another big turn-out on Saturday to create another atmosphere that will help push us to get the result for the club and the supporters.”

Meanwhile, Malvern Town Reserves chalked up a 5-2 victory over Ewyas Harold in the Herefordshire FA League Premier Division after a goalless first half.

Shaq Tulloch guided home Curtis Smith’s assist on 50 minutes to open the scoring.

Substitute Kyonn Evans crossed for Smith to head in a second and skipper Tulloch added another on the hour mark.

Ewyas Harold pulled back two quick goals but Evans made the points safe with a late double.

Every other game in the division was postponed.

Town’s reserves head to Fownhope on Saturday (2pm) before visiting Westfields in the Herefordshire FA Challenge Cup second round on Tuesday (7.45pm).