TOP of the table Alvechurch gave themselves a psychological boost after they defeated rivals Westfields 1-0 in the Midland League's Polymac Packaging Cup.

Ryan Edmunds rammed home the only goal from the penalty spot but proved off target with another attempt after Connor Deards had been brought down on both occasions.

Church boss Ian Long rang the changes and claimed: "The match was much more one-sided than the score suggests - but it told me we have a stronger squad than Westfields, who also made changes, as we went onto dominate the game."

Church were left kicking their heels last Saturday after their proposed trip to Coventry Sphinx was called off owing to a waterlogged pitch.

The Church hope for better luck this Saturday when they entertain Walsall Wood at Lye Meadow.

Long has also vowed to protect leading marksman Josh March who has been struggling with hamstring problems of late.

Long said: "People have to realise that Josh is still only 19-years-old and has been playing a great deal of football this season.

"We all want him to finish as the league's leading goalscorer and I realise he's fallen five behind St Andrews' Shay Brennan this week, but I have to put the team first!

Long missed out this week in his attempt to try and sign Redditch United striker Gurjit Singh, the former Kidderminster Harriers marksman choosing to remain with Reds.

Long added: "We remain interested in bringing players of a good calibre to Alvechurch if they can help us get over the line."