MANAGER Ian Long said there were no excuses for Alvechurch’s opening day 3-0 loss to AFC Wulfrunians in Midlands Premier on Saturday.

Church, who had gone into pre-season unbeaten, produced an out of sorts display as goals for Jamie King, Richard Anslow and Jake Sedgemore shot Church them down at Lye Meadow.

But The hosts didn’t get their own way as Karl Edwards saw a chance to make it 1-1 go to waste when his penalty hit the woodwork. Wulfs then escaped being reduced to 10 men after Jack Cresswell was caught by Cameron Bridges – the Wulfs youngster only escaping with a yellow for violent conduct.

But Long refused to lay the blame at the officials and said his players were at fault.

He said: “In four years of management that’s my lowest point.

“We weren’t at it and I think that the weight of expectation weighed heavily on the players.

“There are high hopes for us this season but I think we suffered from some nerves.

“I am hoping the pressure is off us now this season and we can get back to playing our football.

“Decisions went against us and the referee slowed the game down when we were trying to play at a high tempo but he wasn’t to blame for the defeat.”

Alvechurch will be hoping to bounce back tonight when they take on Continental Star tonight (7.45pm ko).

He said: “The lads know we will rotate the squad but some of the players will be dropped and we’ll make four or five changes.”

Church are then at home to Heath Hayes in the FA Cup extra preliminary round on Saturday (3pm ko).

  •  New-look Feckenham go into the 2015-16 season in Midlands Division Two with hopes high of a better season.

The Millers finished the 2015-16 campaign fourth from bottom but, after changing the squad, they will be aiming to improve on that position.

Pre-season has gone well, with wins over AFC Solihull, Leamington Reserves and Tiptown Town, as well as a 1-1 draw with local rivals Inkberrow.

Feckenham go Bloxwich side Rostance Edwards on Saturday (3pm ko) and then entertain travelling Droitwich on Thursday, August 20 (6.30pm ko).