ALVECHURCH moved another step closer to lifting the Midland League title with a slender 1-0 win at Coventry United.

Connor Deards settled the issue with a goal after just one minute to take Church 12 points clear at the top.

From that point, Church produced a rearguard action to keep Coventry at bay.

Church boss Ian Long admitted: "I thought Coventry United were the better side. They had more possession than us but we defended really well.

"The back four of Jamie Ashmore, Mark Smith, Jamie Willetts and Zak Foster protected goalkeeper Paul Evans really well and I can only remember him having one save to make.

"What the game proved is that we can win ugly when we have to, because this wasn't a great performance.

"The goal itself was a scruffy one, prodded home from close range. But that doesn't matter, because it's all about winning games at the moment."

Church entertain Coventry Sphinx this Saturday looking to extend their remarkable run of form which has seen them drop just five points from a possible 60 in their last 20 games.

Long added: "It's all down to the players and they deserve a great deal of credit, especially when you consider the poor start we made."

Long has also called upon all Alvechurch supporters to turn out and get behind the side on Saturday.

He said: " We must have taken 60 or 70 to Coventry United and outnumbered the home support.

"The players really appreciate the support and it would be great to see a big crowd on Saturday. The players certainly respond better the bigger the crowd and it helps them focus that bit more."