IMPRESSED Ian Long praised his players this week in the wake of Alvechurch's 1-1 draw at Nottingham based Basford United.

Although Basford are close to wrapping up the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League's Division One South title, they found themselves pushed to limit by an Alvechurch side who remain right in line to finish as runners-up.

Church boss Long admitted: "I was really proud of my players. It's not often that I give them compliments but they played really well.

"Basford couldn't live with us in the second half and we really did enough over the 90 minutes to win the game".

Both sides were reduced to 10 men, Josh March getting his marching orders for Church but Long insisted: "We dealt with going down to 10 players much better than they did.

"In truth, Basford were hanging on at the end of the game and were very complimentary afterward. Their manager, the former Nottingham Forest player Steve Chettle, claimed we were the best side they've faced this season.

"Basford named their goalkeeper as man of the match, which tells you everything.

"The only downside from the game is the fact my strikers aren't scoring enough goals and this is something we need to work on".

Second placed Church now have the chance to put some distance between themselves and the chasing pack with three consecutive home games.

They were due to host Carlton Town on Tuesday before entertaining Stocksbridge Parks Steel at Lye Meadow on Saturday.

That is followed by a visit from Kidsgrove Athletic the following Tuesday.

This trio of games could prove pivotal to Church's promotion prospects and Long admitted: "We must make our home advantage tell. We're playing really well at the moment and I cannot wait for the next game to come along!

Both David Bellis and Jamie Willetts will return to the starting line-up while Ryan Winwood is likely to be rested.