INDUSTRIOUS Alvechurch boss Ian Long made sure the weekend didn't go to waste after their proposed trip to Leek Town was called off.

Long had his players in for Saturday training at their Hayes complex at Wast Hills.

Long, accompanied by Keith Rostill and Chris Welwyn, then headed off to watch Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Division One South rivals Romulus take on Corby Town, while his assistant Richard Colwell went off to run the rule over Bedworth United.

The Church travel to Bedworth on Boxing Day for an earlier than usual 1pm kick-off, while Romulus are the visitors to Lye Meadow on New Year's Day.

Long said: "We put the extra time available to good use. It's a huge period for us over Christmas - but we've got the squad to deal with it."

Second-placed Alvechurch are optimistic of returning to Northern Premier League action this Saturday when they entertain an improving Gresley Rovers side.

In the meantime, Long will attempt to keep his players match-fit by arranging a friendly fixture against Highgate United.