IAN Long is hoping Alvechurch can see off Sporting Khalsa and make themselves the main challengers for the Midlands Premier title.

Second-placed Alvechurch welcome fourth-placed Khalsa to the Lye Meadow on Saturday (3pm ko) in a battle of the contenders aiming to chase down leaders Hereford.

Church and their opponents from Willenhall have both played 18 games but the Worcestershire outfit have six more points and lead the pack trying to reel in Hereford.

Hereford have a 12 point advantage but have also played five more games than Alvechurch, who saw their Boxing Day clash at Highgate United called off because of a waterlogged pitch.

Manager Long said: "This is a very big game for us and hopefully we can put a knife through their title hopes and make ourselves the number one contenders to chase down Hereford.

"That's if the game goes ahead, we have a lot of rain scheduled this week so we'll have to see what happens.

"I would be happy to play it at Khalsa if it gets the game on but we'll see."

With Alvechurch out of action at the weekend, Hereford were able to extend their lead at the top with home wins over Westfields and Coventry Sphinx.

Long added: "It's unusual to see a side get two home games over Christmas but full credit to Hereford who are a very good side.

"We went to watch them on Saturday and they have a good team, a fantastic stadium and a big fan base and they should be winning this league.

"But we'll be fighting until the very end to win the league."

Church face a tough set of fixtures in January that could have a big say in their season.

They are hoping to rearrange their JW Hunt Cup clash against Bilston at the Black Country club next Tuesday.

Bilston are scheduled to play Bewdley in the league.

Church then go to Lincolnshire outfit Cleethorpes in the FA Vase in January 9, with the club set to stay in a hotel overnight.

On January 12, they visit Highgate in the Worcestershire Senior Urn, before resuming the league against Stourport Swifts at home four days later.

Alvechurch tackle Rocester on January 19 and then take on Hereford at home on the 23rd in a huge top of the table clash.