ALVECHURCH boss Ross Thorpe believes the team has started to gel into a force to be reckoned with in the Midland Alliance.

While the Churchmen have been hampered by the heavy rain over the last six weeks, there’s no doubt that they are starting to catch the eye.

Last Tuesday’s 1-1 draw, their first under Thorpe’s rein, with leaders Quorn was a sign that they can mix it with the best.

Luke Shearer had fired Alvechurch ahead at Lye Meadow in the fourth minute but Oliver Brown Hill bagged a leveller in the 24th.

Thorpe said: “We were in complete control for the first 20 minutes but Quorn are a very good side.

“It’s not about individual performances, it is about the collective performance and we’ve really come along. I want us to consolidate our league position.”

Alvechurch’s clash at Causeway last night looked in doubt because of rain and snow. They entertain Westfields on Saturday (3pm ko).

Thorpe looks set to send several of his players on loan, with Jarrow Cyran going to Cradley Town. But the Alvechurch boss wants even his fringe players to have games under their belt for the inevitable fixture backlog.

Thorpe added: “If we lose a few more games we could be playing three matches a week until the end of the season.”