ANXIOUS Alvechurch officials couldn't hide their delight this week after being handed a home draw against Coalville Town in the next round of the FA Trophy.

It was Alvechurch's reward for an excellent 2-0 win at Southern League side Cambridge City last Saturday courtesy of a couple of second half Babucar Sauane strikes.

Church boss Ian Long admitted: "I'm more pleased for the supporters than anything else after the travelling we've had to do recently.

"In the space of seven days we've had to travel to Belper Town, Peterborough Sports and then Cambridge. That's really clocking up the miles.

"It feels as though we've been living on the team coach recently. No wonder most of the players fell alseep on the way back from Cambridge. But it's credit to them that we keep coming up with the results.

"I'm equally delighted for those 30 to 40 odd supporters that have followed us to those games. It's the same old faces at each game and it must have cost them a fair few quid.

"But they have been so loyal and we do it for them as much as anyone.

"Coalville is probably not the most glamourous of ties, but it's a home tie and that's all that we asked for.

"I'm sure the supporters will be just as relieved that we've got a home draw as well - but then we were well worth the win at Cambridge and had the better chances.

"Although they are second in Southern League East, I believe the Northern Premier League is much stronger and that was proved by the Trophy results.

"We didn't pass the ball as well as I would have liked, but we worked really hard and we have a much more solid look about us these days."

Church turn their attentions to league matters this Saturday when they entertain Lincoln United at Lye Meadow before travelling to Stourbridge on Monday hoping to play their Intregro League Cup match at the second attempt after the floodlights failed prior to their proposed first meeting.

Long said: "We have to make sure we don't suffer any gaffs against Lincoln after all the hard work we have done away from home.

"It's also important that we pick up three points to put pressure on second placed Cleethorpes."

Mention must also be made of Alvechurch's under-18 side who routed local rivals Redditch United 10-0 in the Midland Floodlit Youth League.

Long revealed: "I was at the match and the score should have been nearer 20-0.

"I couldn't resist texting Redditch United manager Darren Byfield afterwards. It all bodes well for the future of Alvechurch Football Club.