ALVECHURCH boss Ian Long has accused referees of helping Midlands Premier title rivals Hereford in the build-up to Thursday's top of the table clash at Lye Meadow.

Church and the Bulls are locked in a titanic tussle at the top with this week's clash set to be defining moment for both teams.

But Long believes that Hereford, who had welcomed crowds over 4,000 at their Edgar Street home, are being favoured by some officials.

He was infuriated after they won 3-2 at Dunkirk, when the hosts appeared to have a legitimate goal ruled out with the scores at 2-2, before Mike Symons bagged an 95th minute winner.

"I am worried that Hereford seem to be getting some help from referees and they don't need it," said the Alvechurch manager.

"They are a huge club at our level with a massive fanbase and resources that the rest of us don't have, so they do not need extra assistance.

"From the video I have see Dunkirk's third goal looked perfectly good, the referee gave it and it takes 12 seconds for the linesman to flag it.

"Hereford have also had penalties given which weren't all season and it's not helping our cause at all."

Church head into this week's crucial fixtures top of the table after a 3-0 win at Coventry Sphinx but Hereford have a game in hand and trail by just two points.

Jordan Nadat bagged a brace and Sam Williams another in a comfortable victory.

The Worcestershire side must tackle local rivals Highgate United away on Tuesday night (7.45pm ko) before Thursday's massive game (7.45pm ko).

The clash, which was rained off on Easter Monday, is set to be a 1,500 sell out. Both clubs had tickets returned which are on course to be snapped up.

They then tackle Long Eaton United at their Lye Meadow home on Saturday (3pm ko).

Long said: "We have eight cup finals, we've put ourselves in a great position and I hope we can win the league."

Meanwhile, the club is eligible for promotion to step four of the non-league pyramid after passing the ground grading last week.

Alvechurch had added a stand behind a goal to increase seating to 350, as well as a fence around the ground and extra hard standing to ensure they would be able to get promoted if they win the league.