Plenty of options for Church boss - The Redditch Standard

Plenty of options for Church boss

Redditch Editorial 26th Jan, 2017   0

IAN LONG faces a host of selection headaches for Alvechurch’s clash with Coventry Sphinx on Saturday – and it is his own fault.

Long made eight changes to the Church line-up for Tuesday’s Polymac Packaging League Cup 1-0 win against title rivals Westfields, courtesy of Ryan Edmunds’ penalty, and the manager was delighted with how every player stepped up to impress.

Only Jamie Willets, Connor Deards and Jack Cresswell kept their places from Alvechurch’s 2-0 victory at AFC Wulfrunians which pushed Long’s men six points clear at the top of the Midland League Premier Division but the inclusion of the likes of man of the match Brogan Halpin, fit-again Mark Smith, Babucar Sauane and a new role for Deards left Long delighted with the strength in depth as the Churchmen chase success on three fronts.

With the exit of striker Jamie Spencer to Stratford Town and the likely departure of goalkeeper Lewis Fenney to former club Boldmere St Michaels, Long is looking to find replacements but he knows the Lye Meadow ranks are filled with players desperate for their chances.




“I was really pleased with Tuesday night’s performance,” said Long. “The scoreline flattered Westfields – I thought we bossed the game.

“We made eight changes and Westfields made changes too but I think it showed our strength in depth is superior.


“I’ve got some headaches now. I asked the players to give me a headache and they certainly did that.

“The players came in and did well. Brogan Halpin was man of the match, Babucar Sauane came in at left back, Mike Wardle played at right back, Jack Cresswell was excellent and gave us something a bit different in midfield. Connor Deards played up front down the middle, holding the ball up well and that’s another option.”

Teenager Halpin is knocking on the first team door and Long believes the 18-year-old would be a regular with a bit more application.

“Brogan was class on Tuesday and, in terms of ability, I wouldn’t have any worry putting him into the team,” said the Church boss. “He just needs to knuckle down a little bit more, to apply himself week in, week out.”

It is a similar message Long will be reiterating as Alvechurch, with a full strength squad available, continue their title chase at home to Sphinx.

Two first half goals set up victory at Wulfs last weekend, with Danny Dubidat converting Deards’ cross and Dubidat then returning the favour for Deards.

However, Long will demand more clinical finishing after Alvechurch’s seemingly endless penalty misery continued on Saturday and Tuesday.

Top scorer Josh March fired wide at Wulfs before Edmunds, having scored a penalty after Deards had been fouled, then lashed a second spot-kick off target in midweek.

“Going into the new year, we were clinical with our finishing but in the last couple of weeks, we’ve created chances but not converted them,” said Long.

“It’s something we need to address, especially when we come up against the likes of Lye and Coleshill.”

The win against Westfields sets up a League Cup quarter-final at home to fellow title-chasers Lye Town on February 7.

On Tuesday the Churchmen continue their JW Hunt Cup campaign with a home quarter-final against Brocton.

Public Notices

View and download all of the public notices in the Redditch Standard.

Subscribe

Receive a weekly update to your inbox by signing up to our weekly newsletter.

Printing

We can provide all of your printing needs at competitive rates.

Announcements

Weddings, Birthdays, Bereavements, Thank you notices, Marriages and more.