ALVECHURCH manager Ian Long believes a strong referee is needed for Saturday’s top-of-the-table clash at Midlands Premier leaders Hereford.

Church, who are second in the table, face a crunch clash in front of a big crowd at Edgar Street, which could go a long way to determining who wins the league and earns promotion.

Before their Tuesday night clash at Rocester, Alvechurch were 12 points behind with five games in hand.

But the Bulls have lost just once at their Herefordshire fortress and have won 10 league games at home in a row – scoring 40 goals and conceding just 10.

Church are in good form after taking 19 points from a possible 21 in the last seven matches and have lost just twice all season.

Long (pictured) said: “We need the referee to be strong, there’s going to be a huge crowd at Hereford and we need an official who won’t be affected by the occasion.

“Hereford have a great record at home but they also get a lot of penalties.

“Even if we did lose to Hereford, nothing would be settled and we’ve still got to play them at home.

“But getting something from this game would be huge for us and really set up a title challenge.”

Hereford are expecting one of their biggest crowds of the season with their biggest online sales. Alvechurch are also hoping to bring 200 fans for the game.

Meanwhile, Alvechurch bounced back from last week’s FA Vase loss to Cleethorpes with a 1-0 home win over Stourport Swifts.

Mike Wardle, whose nickname is Magic Mike, came off the bench to score a back-heeled effort.

Long said: “Mike’s a popular lad with the others, he’s got a great sense of humour and it was great to see him score.

“When I was at Tividale we signed him from Tipton and he played a big part in our success.

“He’s been injured but is fit again and it’s good to see all the lads contributing.”