IAN LONG has challenged Alvechurch to seize the opportunity to turn the next eight days into the biggest week in the club’s recent history.
Long stressed ‘one game at a time’ will be the mantra as the table-topping Churchmen prepare to entertain Shepshed Dynamo at Lye Meadow on Saturday.
However, the manager knows victory and then again at Coleshill Town a week on Saturday will be enough to clinch the Midland League Premier Division title – Church’s first league triumph since 2003.
In between, on Tuesday, Alvechurch will be looking to reach the Polymac Packaging League Cup for the first time when they bid to overturn a one-goal deficit in their semi-final, second leg tie at Highgate United.
“It’s a cliché, I know, but it’s all about the next game,” stressed Long. “I’ve already had people congratulating me for winning the league after Coleshill lost on Monday to leave us eight points clear but I’m not falling into that trap.
“There’s a lot of work to be done yet and I will make sure the players understand that.
“The focus is completely on Saturday and a tough game against Shepshed. If we do our job on Saturday, that will take us another step closer to what we have been striving for all season.”
The manager points out Alvechurch’s dressing room includes eight players who have won the Midland Alliance/League title – seven with him at Tividale two years ago plus Jamie Willets, who helped Hereford pip Church last season.
“We’ve got players who have been here before and they’ve got the experience that will stand them in good stead,” said Long.
“We showed that on Saturday when we won at Sporting Khalsa. Khalsa are one of the top two or three teams in the league but I was proud of my players. We had to battle, work hard and defend well and there wasn’t a lot between the teams.”
Danny Dubidat’s goal settled the contest at the Aspray Arena. Babucar Sauane collected a throw and turned past his marker to cross for Dubidat – back in the team for Karl Edwards – to head home.
It meant Long was able to celebrate a first win over his old friend Ian Rowe, the Khalsa boss, in four attempts.
Long is urging fans to play their part in making Alvechurch a Step Three team for the first time since 1990 and securing their first championship since Neil Bryan and Andy Hibbert’s side, captained by Bromsgrove Sporting boss Paul Smith, won the Midland Combination Premier in 2003.
“The fans were great at Khalsa and the players really appreciate it,” said Long. “It would be great to see even more and hopefully enjoy something really special.”
Top scorer Josh March, who failed a fitness test at the weekend, has been having daily treatment on his hamstring injury with physio Paul Millward, while Mike Wardle (ankle) is also doubtful.
Defender Willets should be available despite having stitches in a gashed eye at Khalsa.
