IAN LONG insists the pressure remains on title rivals Coleshill Town and Sporting Khalsa, despite table-topping Alvechurch’s midweek slip-up.
Manager Long predicted there will be more twists and turns in the race for the Midland League Premier Division crown after the Churchmen suffered a first league defeat since December 17, losing 2-1 at home to Long Eaton United on Tuesday.
It meant second placed Coleshill – 3-1 winners at home to Westfields on the same night – closed to within six points with a game in hand. They also host Church on Easter Saturday.
Long says third placed Khalsa, who host Alvechurch on Saturday and have two games in hand, will feel they can still snatch the title if they claim the three points at the Aspray Arena.
“In October when we were miles off the pace in the title race we would have taken this position – to be six points clear going into April,” said Long.
“I’m confident there will be more twists and turns along the way, whichever way it goes.
“The pressure is on the teams chasing us. Coleshill will see an opportunity for them after Tuesday and Khalsa will think they can beat us on Saturday to (potentially) get the gap to five points with five to play.”
Long accepted his share of the blame for Tuesday’s defeat and felt Long Eaton deserved their points. Romaine Graham gave the visitors the lead after 15 minutes and, although Reece Shilvock levelled on the half-hour mark, Matthew Savage grabbed the winner early in the second half.
However, the Alvechurch boss hopes the result will prove to be a timely reminder there is still plenty of work ahead.
“Looking at our last two performances, maybe a little bit of complacency has crept in,” said Long. “We’ve got to buck up our ideas.
“But I’m happy with the squad. These lads have got us into this position and I’m confident they can get us over the line.”
Alvechurch, who have three home and three away league games remaining, will be without striker Josh McKenzie for three matches after his red card against Long Eaton following a headbutt.
Top scorer Josh March has been having intensive treatment on a nagging hamstring problem ahead of the trip to Khalsa.
The forward suffered a setback 15 minutes into Saturday’s 2-0 home win against Coventry Sphinx in which goals from Mark Smith and Connor Deards secured the points.
“It seems to be an ongoing problem with Josh,” said Long. “We will try to nurse him through it.”
Utility man Mike Wardle is likely to be out for the next couple of weeks as he recovers from an ankle injury, but striker Danny Dubidat – who missed out in midweek after being held up in traffic – will return on Saturday.
RUN-IN:
Alvechurch: April 1st v Sporting Khalsa, A; 8th v Shepshed Dynamo, H; 15th v Coleshill Town, A; 17th v Boldmere St Michaels, H; 22nd v Shawbury United, A; 29th v Rocester, H.
Coleshill Town: April 1st v AFC Wulfrunians, A; 3rd v Quorn, A; 8th v Coventry Sphinx, H; 15th v Alvechurch, H; 17th v Rocester, H; 25th v Highgate United, A; 29th v Sporting Khalsa, H.
Sporting Khalsa: April 1st v Alvechurch, H; 4th v Rocester, A; 8th v Tividale, H; 15th v Quorn, H; 17th v Lye Town, A; 22nd v Highgate United, H; 25th v AFC Wulfrunians, H; 29th v Coleshill Town, A.
