ALVECHURCH boss Ian Long believes he may need to increase the size of his squad despite making a winning start to life in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League.

Injuries and absentees had reduced Church ranks to the bare 16 ahead of their opening game and Long accepts that's not enough.

That didn't stop Church from recording an excellent 3-1 success at home to Leek Town where recent Wednesfield recruit Luke Yates fired them in front following a downward header from Josh March.

It was March who added a second on 59 minutes before Tom Turton sealed the points from the penalty spot on 69 minutes.

Long said: "We played some really good stuff at times, especially in the first half, but we tended to play in spells.

"I must admit I did have my concerns because I thought we were very hit and miss during pre-season.

"However the lads seemed much more focused on Saturday. I was a bit disappointed with Leek as they were very big and direct."

Long has brought in West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Jasko Keranovic on loan with Paul Evans and Lewis Gwilliams both unavailable for the Leek town game Evans was absent as his wife is about to give birth, while Gwilliams is abroad.

Long added: "We've got Jasko for as long as we need him, although he didn't really have much to do last Saturday."

But there was a blow to Long's plans when Chris Withington failed a fitness test just prior to the game and now joins Ryan Winwood on the long term sidelines.

However, Long remains hopeful that Mitch Botfield and Zac Foster will be fit to face Hanley Town this Saturday in the FA Cup.

The Church will get a real shot in the arm ahead of the tie when the FA Cup trophy arrives at Lye Meadow tomorrow (Wednesday).

Long added: "I believe the game is going to be recorded on the BBC iplayer. We wrote to the BBC informing them of our association with the FA Cup.

"Alvechurch were involved in the longest ever tie of the competition's history when we played Oxford City. It must have gone on for six games and is a record that will never be beaten."

Long hopes the lure of the FA Cup will attract more supporters to the ground on Saturday.

A crowd of 190 saw the Church despatch Leek Town and Long admitted: "I was a bit dismayed with that number considering it was the club's first game at this level in 25 years.

"I'll be hoping for a few more this Saturday."