ALVECHURCH manager Ian Long believes the title race in the Midlands Premier will be decided by the head-to-head clashes of the top sides.

The Lye Meadow outfit are currently third in the table but with games in hand over Heanor and leaders Hereford.

Church have not played the top two yet. They take on Heanor away on Saturday, December 19, and play Hereford for the first time away on January 23.

Long said: “The league is very tight and those head-to-head games will determine who wins the league.

“Obviously, we have yet to play Heanor or Hereford at all so those will be important games.

“But there are number of teams below us who could also have a say.”

Long believes Church produced their most complete display of the season as they defeat Coleshill 3-0 to make it four wins in a row in all competitions.

Goals for Connor Deards, Jordan Nadat and substitute Leigh Downing put the finishing touches to a fine display.

“This was our most complete display of the season and we could have scored ten goals,” said Long.

“We had good players like Karl Edwards and Ryan Winwood on the bench, which is a testament to our strength in depth.”

Alvechurch, who were set to take on Studley in the Worcestershire Senior Urn last night, tackle fifth-placed Shepshed Dynamo at home on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

Dynamo have won seven games since losing 3-0 to Church in September.

Long added: “I think losing to us was a watershed moment because they had a change in the management and have gone on a good run.”