ALVECHURCH boss Ian Long is determined to see his side get back on the winning trail after being held to consecutive drawn games by both Halesowen Town and AFC Rushden and Diamonds in the Evo-Stik Southern League Central Premier Division.

Long said: "I was delighted with the performance against Halesowen, even though it was two points dropped. It was a massive improvement on the 4-2 defeat to Biggleswade.

"For some reason, I knew we would get a response, maybe because it was a local derby and half my side live in Halesowen.

"The display against Rushden was acceptable as well. We just couldn't break the deadlock and finally ran out of ideas.

"Rushden showed us a great deal of respect because they came and sat in really deep, despite the fact they are sitting third in the table.

"But we need to get back winning games again, especially if we have any aspirations of making the play-offs

"We've only picked up two points out of nine from our last three games and that's not play-off form".

Church make the long distance trip to Lowestoft this Saturday and then entertain Leiston at Lye Meadow on Tuesday.

Long added: "We will set off early to Lowestoft but we will be stopping off on the way there for a pre-match meal.

"Lowestoft are already involved in a relegation scrap but it's important we go there with the right mentality.

"Leiston then face a long distance trip to us on Tuesday and we have to make that work to our advantage. We will be looking to hit them with a high-tempo game and try to make that pay".

In the meantime Church have sent both striker Aaron Lloyd and Theo Llewellyn out on loan to Midland League side Romulus.