ALVECHURCH boss Ian Long found himself heavily out of pocket this week after splashing out on a treat for his players following their 2-1 win at Rushall Olympic.

The result has taken Church up to the dizzy heights of fifth place in the Evo- Stik Southern League Premier Division.

Long decided to celebrate this success by buying a round of drinks for his players.

But Long was in for a shock when he got the bill, he said: "It came to £60, I didn't have enough money on me, so I had to split the round with my assistant Richard Colwell. It can be expensive in these clubhouses.

"It was just nice to get the win, but even sweeter to get it so late in the game.

"If one side deserved to win it then it would have been us, but there was little to choose between the sides."

Kieron Cook came off the bench to convert an 88th minute winner.

Long added: "It was such a relief to get the three points. It was one of Kieron's first touches and he puts it home on the half volley. But if I was Rushall boss Liam McDonald, then I wouldn't have been happy with the defending."

Long is determined to see Church keep their foot on the gas when they entertain lowly St Neots Town this Saturday at Lye Meadow.

With no Premiership or Championship football taking place this Saturday, Long is hopeful that Church can attract a bumper crowd.

He said: "We owe our supporters a big performance against St Neots. Recent home displays against the likes of Kings Lynn, Kettering and Corby Town haven't been good enough. This is the chance to show everyone what we can do.

"I know it's still early days, but if anyone had told me we'd be sitting fifth in the table at this stage of the season, I'd have bitten their hand off.

"We've done really well and I just hope that people will come out and support us."

Church should have a full squad to select from with Ryan Winwood back in the reckoning.

Winwood featured for Wolves Casuals last Saturday and will play for the West Midlands League side again this week ahead of the visit from St Neots.