PROUD Alvechurch boss Ian Long praised his players this week after the men from Lye Meadow booked their place in the FA Cup third qualifying round following a fabulous 4-3 success at Grantham.

It's the first time in 26 years that Church have reached this stage of the competition and a delighted Long said: "From 1 to 16, they were superb and all played their part. I'm so proud of them.

"But we cannot afford to lose concentration as there are some very important league games coming up.

"We scored goals at the right time against Grantham, but it was the fourth one from Luke Yates that really knocked the stuffing out of them and we could have gone onto score more.

"Danny Dubidat had an effort that struck the inside of the post and came back out again. I thought it had gone in."

The Church have been drawn away to Northern Premier side Buxton in the next round on September 30 and Long admitted: "It's disappointing to be drawn away from home yet again and we will need to be at our best."

Church now turn their attention to this Saturday's Evo-Stik Division One South game at home to Stamford.

Long added: "It's the next big game on the horizon and we cannot afford to lose sight of that. I will make changes to the side and the players will need to realise they will be playing for their places at Buxton."

Long has already hinted that Mitch Botfield and new signing Nathan Waite will come into the starting line-up having been unavailable for the Grantham game.

Church players didn't go short on the journey home from Grantham as Josh March's mum provided them with a variety of food, while Gary Willett's mum followed up with some cakes.

Long added: "A crowd of us then went into the Red Lion pub in the village when we got back and enjoyed a few beers. I think we cleared the place out - but that's what non-league football is all about."