Harry Brazel says “bring it on” as Bury AFC prepare to travel to higher league Northwich Victoria in the FA Vase first qualifying round on Saturday.

The match-winner from Friday’s dramatic 4-3 win over Steeton believes AFC have the quality to upset their hosts who are currently fourth in NWCL Premier Division.

“We have got quality in the dressing room and to get a cup run would be nice,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter if we play teams from a higher division because we are a team that can operate at a higher league that we are now.

“So bring it on, we’ll give it our best shot and hopefully get a little cup run going.”

Despite dominating much of the game against Steeton, AFC were made to work hard for their win under the Neuven Stadium floodlights.

Joshua McKiernon gave the visitors a third-minute lead before goals from Kristian Holt and Lewis Gilboy gave the phoenix club a half-time lead.

Goals from Andrew Briggs and Kayle Price threatened to ruin AFC’s unbeaten start to the season but after Tom Greaves levelled with 15 minutes to go, Brazel grabbed the winner three minutes from time.

Brazel said he was delighted to return “with a bang” having served a suspension following his sending off against Atherton LR.

“As a sub, you have got to come on and try and impact the game and do as best you can, I got an assist and a goal so I am happy with the performance,” he said.

“It’s been rubbish missing the football and watching the lads. I have been itching to get back to it and I showed how much I was itching to get back to it.

“I’m really happy to be back playing and to come back with a bang is a bonus.”

Manager Andy Welsh is also looking forward to the tie and his hoping the AFC fans – who he praised for cheering them on on Friday night – can turn out in force.

“We have go to go there and enjoy the occasion because it is a cup competition and hopefully all the fans can travel with us and make it an occasion to savour away from home,” he said.

Of the win, he added: “Fair play to Steeton, they came and had a right go like a lot of teams seem to do at times.

“With that result, what I am taking away from that is that not only have we come away with the win, the fans again were incredible.

“I said to the lads that they got us that last goal.

“The fans were absolutely incredible and to go away from that, my last thought is for the fans, what a game to watch but more importantly we have got the three points.

“We would have been a little bit disappointed if we didn’t win it, yes, we want to keep a clean sheet, but a win is a win.”