ALVECHURCH continued their relentless charge towards promotion this week despite manager Ian Long admitting he'd got things wrong.

That was after Church had churned out a 1-0 win over Stocksbridge Park Steels courtesy of a Nathan Waite goal.

Long said: "I've been kicking myself. I persisted with Jordan Nadat and Aaron Lloyd up front when the goals had dried up.

"Nathan Waite wasn't getting a look-in. But now that he's come back in from the cold the goals have started coming.

"My big regret is that I didn't bring him back in earlier.

"I admit we weren't at our fluid best against Stocksbridge but we ground out the win, which we probably deserved.

"But now it starts to go crazy as we come towards the end of the season.

"We're playing Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday for the next couple of weeks which will challenge the squad.

"However, we've managed to put some daylight between ourselves and closest rivals Frickley and Bedworth United. We have to make that advantage tell.

"It proved a really good weekend for us, especially with Bedworth losing to Spalding and Frickley drawing with Basford.

"We just have to make the most of our remaining six games".

Events could have easily back-fired for Alvechurch against Stocksbridge when goalkeeper Charlie Price damaged his calf muscle while warming up.

Luckily for Church both Lewis Gwilliams and Paul Evans were at the ground. As a result, Gwilliams was drafted into the starting line-up while Evans went on the bench.

Long also praised the contribution made by the crowd against Stocksbridge. He said: "We had a much larger than normal crowd and it does make a big difference.

"There must have been 80 to 100 Alvechurch supporters singing behind the goal and when they get behind the side it really lifts the players.

"I also understand there were a number of scouts at the game, including Shrewsbury Town and Walsall. It shows we must be doing something right."

Church are scheduled to visit Cleethorpes Town on Thursday night before travelling to Carlton Town on Saturday when Josh March should return from suspension.

Busy Church then visit Market Drayton Town on Tuesday.

Church players Ash Carter and Tom Turton have both been named in the Evo-Stick Division One South team of the season.

However hard to please boss Long was quick to say: "There should have been more Alvechurch players in the side!"