TOP of the table Alvechurch maintained their four point lead over the chasing Midland Premier League pack with a comprehensive 2-0 win over bottom side Brocton.

Josh March took his season's goal tally to 25 when he fired the Church in front with a fifth minute penalty having been brought down by Brocton's Harry Flowers.

March also hit the post while Brocton goalkeeper Matt Cotterill pulled off a string of fine saves to keep Church at bay until Tom Turton thumped home a second goal to effectively seal the points on 50 minutes.

Flowers then picked up a second yellow card on 74 minutes to get himself sent off but Church couldn't capitalise further and manager Ian Long admitted: "We could have been more convincing in front of goal, but we weren't clinical enough for my liking.

"I still don't feel as though I'm getting enough out of some players, especially those coming off the bench."

Church were looking to cement their table-topping position this week with a re-arranged game at next to bottom Tividale before travelling to Heanor Town on Saturday where Long is expecting a tough physical battle.

Long has put three of his promising youth team players, striker Danny Moy, goalkeeper Brad Carter and Dave Yarwood out on loan with Midlands Division One neighbours Studley and said: "It's all part of their development. The youth side are doing really well this season and are top of their Midland Floodlit Youth League. Because of the situation with the first team, they will get more opportunity to play at Step 6."

Long time injury victim Ryan windwood is set to feature this week after shaking off a shoulder problem but Mark Smith remains sidelined with a back strain.