TWO well taken Josh March goals booked Alvechurch's place in the next stage of the FA Cup qualifying rounds as they despatched Hanley Town 2-0 at Lye Meadow.

The Church will now be rewarded with a trip to either Market Drayton Town or old rivals Sporting Khalsa in the next stage of the competition.

Honest Church boss Ian Long admitted: "Hanley were the better side in the first half and I was far from happy with our performance.

"But we took control in the second half. I think Hanley had given their all in the first 45 minutes and you could tell they were tiring, but they gave us a scare."

Long pointed to one exceptional save from his West Bromwich Albion loanee goalkeeper Jasko Kerarovic when the game was goalless, but added: "Ultimately it was Josh March's goals that won us the game."

March struck in the 31st and 58th minutes with two cool finishes, taking his tally to four goals in three games this term.

Church were clearly inspired after playing host to the FA Cup trophy itself earlier in the week.

It evoked memories of their epic FA Cup encounter with Oxford City back in the early 1970's.

The tie lasted for over 11 hours and took six games to decide a winner. It's a record that will never be beaten and as he recalled a recent visit from the famous old trophy, Long added: "It was brilliant having the FA Cup down here and understanding all the history that goes with it.

"They were very protective of the trophy and people weren't allowed to touch it, but I was lucky enough to lift it, although I had to hold the trophy in a certain way.

"It's great to think back to all the famous players who have lifted this trophy, some of which are my footballing heroes."

Church return to the cut and thrust of Evo-Stik Northern Premier League action this weekend when they entertain Frickley this Saturday and then travel to Sutton Coldfield based Romulus on Bank Holiday Monday who play on an artificial pitch.