EXCELLENT Alvechurch took another giant stride towards winning this season's Midland League title with a vital 1-0 win at third placed Sporting Khalsa.

It came on the back of a shock 2-1 home defeat to Long Eaton and Church boss Ian Long was delighted by the manner in which his players responded.

He said: " We repaired the damage caused by the Long Eaton defeat.

"You always worry that they'll be a bit of a hangover and there were plenty of people who didn't fancy us to win at Khalsa.

"But we changed our style of play and proved more direct. I was really pleased the way the players took to the changes, because this was a cracking result."

Danny Dubidat's solitary 52nd minute strike proved the difference at Khalsa.

Church have five more Midland League games to play this season and Long believes they still require 11 points to make sure of the title, starting at home to Leicestershire side Shepshed this Saturday.

Long has called on all Alvechurch supporters to turn out and get behind the side against Shepshed and said: "We outnumbered the home support at Sporting Khalsa which was fantastic. They got behind the side and their support is crucial to us. They've even made up a song about me, but I wouldn't dare repeat it."

Following Saturday's game against Shepshed, Church make the short trip to Highgate United next Tuesday looking to turnaround a 1-0 deficit in the League Cup semi-final second leg.

The winners will take on St Andrews in the final.

CHURCH supporters are also urged to visit Lye Meadow this Wednesday night to back their impressive under-18 side when they take on Rugby Town.

Victory for Alvechurch would clinch the Midland Floodlit Youth League Premier title and prove a tremendous achievement for Tyrone Henderson's side who were only promoted to this level last season.

Ian Long added: "It would be a fantastic achievement to win the league, but it won't be easy as Rugby are an academy side and full time.

"The under-18s have done really well when you consider they are playing against sides from Stourbridge, Redditch United and Stratford who play at a much higher level."