ALVECHURCH manager Ian Long has predicted the title fight in the Midlands Premier will be the closest for a decade.

The arrival of Long and a host of Tividale players has raised expectations at Lye Meadow that Church can mix it with the best and vie for automatic promotion.

But with newly-formed Hereford FC, who will boast the biggest crowds in the league, and the likes of Coleshill and Coventry Sphinx all thought to be pushing the boat out, Long has predicted a tough test for his squad.

The Alvechurch manager and many of his squad know all about winning the league after doing so in the 2013-14 season and then holding their own in the Northern League Division One South.

Long said: "This is going to be a very tough season because I think there are so many teams who can win it this season.

"Hereford are the favourites, they will get big crowds and if they get off to a good start then that will also increase.

"But they aren't the only teams who will be up for it, Coleshill will be very strong again too.

"But I think we're good enough to be up there and in the shake-up, although I do think you need a bit of luck too.

"The fans are get excited about the season because but we'll have to be realistic."

Church played their final pre-season game on Tuesday night against Halesowen Town, after stepping into replace Gresley, who had pulled out at the last minute.

With the league starting this weekend, Long was set to play some fringe players as well as Dave Bellis and Chris Field.

Alvechurch head into Saturday's league opener at home to AFC Wulfrunians (3pm ko) on the back of an unbeaten pre-season.

They defeated Sutton Coldfield 2-1 on Saturday, with Karl Edwards and Mark Smith scoring to make it six wins out of seven.

Long said: "I thought this was more like it but I have not been that happy from what I have seen in pre-season.

"One or two of the players have thought it's going to be easy dropping down a level but it's not going to be, so I've had a word.

"But we are unbeaten and got good results against higher ranked sides like Stourbridge and Sutton, so that is encouraging."