ALVECHURCH cannot afford to let the thrill of playing in front of potentially the biggest Non-League crowd of the day overshadow their determination to halt record-breaking Hereford.
Key midfielder Sam Williams says the Churchmen need to step up to the challenge of playing in front of what could be a 4,000 attendance at Edgar Street when the top two meet in the Midland League Premier Division’s biggest match of the season so far.
Table-toppers Hereford have chalked up an amazing 27-match winning run in all competitions but Alvechurch, 12 points behind the Bulls with five games in hand, have won 14 out of their last 15.
“It’s going to be a huge game and playing in front of 4,000 will be something special, but it’s all about winning the points,” said Williams.
“We’ve got a few older heads in the team so we won’t be worried about playing in front of that sort of crowd. We’ll look after the younger lads.
“I’m sure the home crowd will create a great atmosphere but it’s up to us to try to quieten them down and that’s by playing well. We need to start well and frustrate them and that could work in our favour.”
Williams has been one of the unsung heroes in Alvechurch’s scorching season so far as they chase honours on four fronts and he says the winning mentality established within the squad with first Tividale and now at Lye Meadow also brings a lot of confidence.
“It’s been a great challenge coming to Alvechurch and I’ve really enjoyed it,” said the Wednesbury-based electrician. “Long may it continue.
“We’ve got a really great togetherness in the squad – that comes from playing with the same players for a while – and we’ve got a lot of quality as well.
“Hereford have won 27 games in a row so they are obviously a good team. But, apart from the Vase defeat, we’ve been winning a lot of games as well. We’ve got to be confident.”
It is being billed as a clash between the unstoppable force and the immoveable object but Williams dismissed any suggestion it will be a title-decider.
“We’re only halfway through the season,” said the one-time Albion and Wolves youngster.
“Whatever happens, there’s plenty of matches to play. It’s important but it won’t decide our season.”
