ALVECHURCH manager Ian Long has called on Midlands League chiefs to extend the end of the season after another washout at the weekend.

Long is concerned that the torrential rain which has plagued the Premier Division sides in recent weeks will lead to an worrying fixture backlog.

With Church still very much in the hunt for the title and already with a host of games over leaders Hereford, he is concerned of too many matches derailing their bid for promotion.

"The weather was so bad at the weekend and even Halesowen saw their match off and that almost never happens," said Low.

"It's frustrating for us because we already have a lot of games to play and there seems no let up in the rain.

"Only Hereford and Loughborough University have the facilities to cope with the rain and that's unfair on the rest of the league.

"It's only sensible for the league to extend the season for another week just to help us."

Long was sceptical that last night's clash against fellow title rivals Sporting Khalsa would go ahead at Lye Meadow (7.45pm ko) and said that the clubs were in talks to switch it to their Noose Lane home.

Alvechurch then go to Rocester in the league on Saturday (3pm ko) and then visit Lye Town next Tuesday (7.45pm ko).

Church exited the Polymac League Cup last week when they lost 3-1 to Hereford at Edgar Street.

Andrew Parsons had scored to put them into the lead but the Bulls hit back through James Pilling, Michael Symons and Joseph Tumelty.

Long said: "Both teams made changes but we hit the woodwork had an effort which went over the line ruled out.

"I was disappointed Hereford were awarded a penalty, which was a concern when we played them in the league last month."