ALVECHURCH continued their charge towards the Midland League title with a clinical 2-0 win over Coventry Sphinx to stay nine points clear at the top.

Goals from Connor Deards and a cracking half volley from central defender Mark Smith sealed the points for Alvechuch although boss Ian Long admitted it wasn't a vintage display.

Long said: "We weren't as free flowing as usual, but then the pitch wasn't particularly conducive to that style of play.

"I was more pleased with the fact we kept another clean sheet. Defensively we're really sound at the moment and have only conceded 25 goals in 35 league games."

Long now believes the title is now down to a two-horse race between themselves and second placed Coleshill Town, who have a game in hand.

But Long insists: "Every three points that we pick up is a massive step forwards and a nail in our rivals chances, particularly as we're now running out of games.

"It's not over and there's still a great deal of work to be done, but Coleshill no have no room for errors as we're really in the driving seat now."

Alvechurch's attempts to complete a league and cup double suffered a setback when they lost their League Cup semi-final first leg to Highgate United by a slender 1-0 margin.

Long remains confident the advantage can be clawed back in the second leg which takes place on April 11 and said: "We've just to got to go and win the game. I want to do the double, male no mistake about that."

Church were due to host Long Eaton United on Tuesday before travelling to fourth placed Sporting Khalsa on Saturday.