ALVECHURCH pulled off a prized 2-1 win over play-off rivals Biggleswade Town to cement fifth place in Evo Stik South Central Premier Division.

Josh March, who was credited with both Church goals, netted either side of half time but boss Ian Long insists: “I thought the first was an own goal. Kyle Morrison put in a cross which Josh got a touch to, but I’m sure one of their defenders turned the ball into his own net!

Biggleswade pulled a goal back with a late penalty from Joe White but Long admitted: “It was controversial to say the least. I thought Aaron Lloyd took the ball cleanly and even their bench accepted they’d got lucky over it.

“It was disappointing to concede a goal but it was a good performance. The lads knew we needed to improve and they did. We were team of the month again for January and I was worried it would be a curse!"

Long has arranged a friendly fixture with Lye Town this week and expects to make wholesale changes.

Ryan Winwood and Theo Llewellyn return to the side from loan at Romulus while Luke Yates, currently with Wolves Casuals and goalkeeper Charlie Price who is at Gresley Rovers with Mark Smith will also feature.

Added to that, Ash Carter returns from suspension while new signing Tom Tonks, a capture from promotion rivals Stourbridge, will also play, Tonks having played for Walsall Wood at the weekend.

Long added: “We’ve got more players out on loan than Chelsea, but some of the loanees could well feature in this Saturday’s long distance trip to Leiston.

“It’s really tight for the play-off spots at the moment, so we really do need to get a result in Suffolk."