ALEX Stephenson is looking for the perfect birthday present tomorrow – an FA Cup victory over bogey-side Bognor Regis.

The defender turns 20 the day of the second qualifying round match, and approaches the match in confident mood.

After a sticky patch in which profligacy in front of goal proved costly, Billericay have won three of the bounce in different competitions, scoring nine goals in the process.

Stephenson got on the score sheet himself last weekend against Leatherhead and he says another goal in a Billericay win would be a great way to celebrate his birthday.

“I love the FA Cup and I think it brings out the best in everyone,” he said.

“Everyone at the club is buzzing at the moment although it is a tricky match for us.

“They are a good side but the way we are playing now and the goals we are scoring it could be very different this time.

“The chances that weren’t being taken a few weeks ago are now and we are on a roll.

“It is always nice to score but my main job is to stop them scoring. Although with it being my birthday tomorrow I admit it would be great to get another goal.”

Stephenson is now playing at his preferred position of centre-back after he spent much of last campaign at left-back.

However, the departures of Joe Ellul and George Beavan among others have seen him move to the centre of the back-line and he says he is enjoying the experience.

“We need to stay solid at the back to be successful,” he said. “We have had a good base at the back recently as the mistakes we made earlier in the season were costing us.

“I am playing with a different defence this season but it is no problem. I was left-back and I am centre-back this year so this was an opportunity for me.

“The guys that have come in know what they are doing and we are growing as a unit.”