ALVECHURCH have cleared the decks following a turbulent week when a string of players departed from Lye Meadow.

That didn't prevent the Church from recording a crushing 5-0 win at Leicestershire side Quorn and climbing up to second spot in the Midland Premier League behind leaders Westfields.

Josh March opened the Church account from the penalty spot while further goals followed from Dave Bellis, Mark Smith, Ryan Winwood and substitute Mike Wardle.

Church manager Ian Long said: "The result was the perfect riposte to all the changes and to be fair, we could have won by double figures, especially as we hit the woodwork on three occasions."

Players leaving Lye Meadow comprise of goalkeeper Charlie Price, Jordan Nadat, Michael McGrath, Luke Paskin and James Spray.

Former Kidderminster Harrier and Redditch United player McGrath has joined former Football League side Hereford and boss Long said: "Michael had only played three times when Hereford came in. It's a great move for him. He's 31 years old now and at this stage in his career, it would have been wrong to stand in his way.

"As a result, we waived the seven days notice and wish him well."

James Spray is believed to be returning to former club Lye Town after injury limited his appearances for the Church while Stourport Swifts, AFC Wulfrunians and Walsall Wood have all shown interest in Luke Paskin.

Coleshill Town appear favourites to capture Jordan Nadat while Walsall Wood have declared an interest in Charlie Price.

Long has responded by adding Sutton Coldfield Town player Jamie Ashmore to his squad together with midfield man Bakir Al Sualma who has caught the eye playing for Smethwick Rangers this season.

Ashmore has already featured twice for Church while Al Sualma will make his debut in Wednesday night's Birmingham Senior Cup clash with Coventry City at Lye Meadow (7.45pm).

Church are hoping for a bumper crowd on Wednesday with the Sky Blues expected to bring a stronger side than usual in the wake of manager Tony Mowbray's recent departure.

There are a number of special deals available to supporters including ' kids for a quid' and Long added: "It will be great to test ourselves against a professional side."

Church travel to Coventry Sphinx on Saturday in a Midland League match.