Ian Long is convinced Alvechurch’s past record-breaking exploits will give them an advantage as they chase another piece of history.
Church tightened their grip on a play-off place in their first season in Southern Premier Central after defeating fellow contenders Biggleswade Town 2-1 at Lye Meadow last weekend, thanks to an own goal and a Josh March strike.
With 13 games left, Long’s side lie in fifth place as they chase a remarkable third promotion in a row, but with a game in hand to overhaul third-placed Stratford Town and fourth-placed King’s Lynn Town.
The journey to success now continues with a long-distance trip to top ten sid Leiston on Saturday and then a crunch visit to sixth-placed AFC Rushden & Diamonds, who beat Stratford in midweek, next Saturday.
Long and No 2 Rich Colwell and the players have been chasing honours for the past three seasons and the bosses believe that experience will stand them in good stead for the run-in.
“Since I came to Alvechurch, we’ve been in the shake-up every season and we’ve learned how to cope,” said Long. “It gets tougher the higher you go up the leagues but the lads keep pushing.
“They’ve been in this position so they won’t be worried by pressure. The majority of these players have been with me for the last few years and at Tividale before that.
They know how to deal with the must-win games – it’s second nature to them. Hopefully, that will give us an advantage.”
Redditch Standard
