ALVECHURCH increased their prospects of promotion with a 2-1 triumph at Kidsgrove last Saturday to strengthen their grip on second place in Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Division One South.

Tom Turton netted with his second attempt from the penalty spot before central defender Jamie Willetts headed home from a corner to seal the points.

But the Church were unable to follow up on Bank Holiday Monday against promotion rivals Bedworth United after their Lye Meadow pitch was left underwater following localised flooding.

It led to pictures being circulated on social media of ducks swimming around in the dug-outs.

Church boss Ian Long quipped - or should that be quacked! - "We've had all sorts of banter flying about, like the situation is completely quackers or can Alvechurch pay the bill for their new signings!

"Realistically, it leaves us with nine league games to play in 22 days. We simply cannot afford another league game being called off.

"Admittedly a number of other clubs are in the same boat, but I cannot understand why the league cannot extend the season by another week.

"The league has a duty of care to its players and they shouldn't be picking up injuries through fatigue.

"It's likely we'll have to play three times a week for the remainder of the season but if the season was extended by a week, it would ease the conjestion considerably."

Alvechurch's promotion credentials will be tested this Saturday when they travel to top of the table Nottingham based side Basford.

The game is certain to go ahead as Basford play on an artificial pitch and Long insisted: "All the players are champing at the bit as we're in really good form at the moment.

"We were unlucky not to get something against them in our home fixture as we bossed the second half but still lost 2-1.

"But our away form has been excellent this season and we've only lost once on the road. Basford are unbeaten at home so we'll be looking to put a dent in that record".

Church will be hoping to take a big following to Basford and Long revealed:"We must have taken a good 50 plus supporters to Kidsgrove last Saturday. They had a bit of sing-song when we went 2-0 up in the second half, although it got a bit tense when Kidsgrove pulled a goal back.

Church then host another Nottingham side Carlton at home on Tuesday night and Long claimed:"The pressure is on our closest promotion rivals Bedworth and Frickley.

"We can afford to slip-up, they can't!"