ALVECHURCH boss Ian Long admitted his plans had misfired after last Saturday's Evo-Stik Northern Premier League game against Kidsgrove was called off.

Long left out most of his first team squad for the Worcestershire Senior Urn clash with Lye Town earlier in the week so they could concentrate on the Kidsgrove game.

But the bad weather put paid to any play leaving Long to say: "In hindsight, I wish I'd played the first team at Lye now.

"They actually trained on the pitch prior to the Lye game and then watched from the stands."

Long promoted five youngsters from the youth team with Ben Tilbury, Dave Yarwood and 17-year-old Simon Chinn all starting while Dylan Hall and Callum De Barr came off the bench.

Long also included the likes of Sam Williams and Chris Field who were both playing their first game in 18 months.

The Alvechurch boss also added Tipton Town's Paul Henley to his side while back from injury Mitch Botfield was included on the bench.

Long said: "The lads did really well considering Lye Town were close to full strength and it was tough that the result should be decided on a penalty shoot-out after the game finished goalless".

Weather permitting, Church travel to Leek Town looking to cement second spot in Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Division One South.

Long added: "We're already falling behind with our fixtures. Christmas is a crucial time with so many games being played but the prospects don't look promising.

"The only positive was that other results went in our favour, especially with fellow challengers Cleethorpes getting beaten at home."

Unlucky Alvechurch Reserves lost out 1-0 to a strong Studley side in the Birmingham Midweek Floodlit Cup.

Long said: "It was an excellent performance when you consider Studley are flying high in Midland League Division One.

"It was a genuine reserve side and they were a credit to their manager Ollie Hartley.

"They're having a great season and are currently top of the Midland League Reserve Division".