ALVECHURCH boss Ian Long has urged all Churchgoers to turn up and get behind the side this Saturday as the club enter a new era at home to Royston Town.

Successive promotions have taken the Church to step three football this season and Long said: "I don't want the occasion to become flat because there's no-one there. We're going to need all the support we can get this season and it's vital that the supporters turn up and rally around.

"We need as many people as we can get and we need them to get behind the players in what is another pivotal season for the club.

"It would be good to get a crowd over 200, because I don't think Royston will bring many and it's important that we make a good start."

The Church completed their pre-season programme with a 2-1 win over Evesham United last Friday night courtesy of goals from Luke Yates and Mitch Botfield.

But Long rested several regulars with Jamie Willetts, Josh March, Kyle Morrison, Ryan Winwood and goalkeeper Charlie Price all left out as precautionary measures, while David Bellis was unavailable.

Long added: "They'll all be back in training this week, although both Kyle and Ryan are likely to miss the Royston game."

As a result, Long increased his squad this week by bringing in 18-year-old midfield man Theo Llewellyn who was recently on Bristol City's books but is soon to take up a university place in Birmingham.

He has also snapped up 19-year-old pacey central defender Jordan Piggott who has played for both East Fife and Dundee in Scotland.

Long admitted: "The squad's probably a bit heavier than I would like, but we got positions covered."

The Church will really know they've arrived at a higher level on Tuesday when they travel to Tamworth, who were relegated from National League North last term.

Long confirmed: "We normally take a good following away from home. Tamworth will be one of the favporites, especially as they have signed a number of players who were at Solihull Moors last season. It should make for a great occasion!