ALVECHURCH climbed to third place in the Midland Football League following a 2-0 win at Coventry Sphinx - but boss Ian Long has still called on his players to become more clinical in front of goal.

First half strikes from Josh March and a Mark Smith cracker put the Church in control by the break.

Yet Long complained: "Human nature set in from that point and we took our foot off the gas in the second half. The two goals really put us in the driving seat, but we need to be more clinical, especially when we face the better sides."

The Church have a critical week ahead. They take on Loughborough University at Lye Meadow this Saturday before facing top two sides Westfields and Coleshill Town.

Westfields have won all 10 of their league games so far this season and Long has a special reason for wanting to beat them.

He revealed: "We set a league record when I was at Tividale when we won the first 13 games and I don't want to see that record beaten."

Long is still looking to strengthen his squad despite numerous recent changes.

He has served seven days for Coventry Sphinx player Mitch Thompson and AFC Wulfrunians' Demetri Brown.

Long said: "I've had Mitch watched in recent games against Rocester and Walsall Wood. He is a player who has always done well against us but I believe he is Nuneaton based and the travelling might be a problem.

"Demetri would certainly bring a bit of extra pace to the side, but I understand he has also signed for Hednesford, which could be difficult."

Church were due to play Continental Star this week in the J W Hunt Cup when Long planned to use the game to look at some of the club's promising youngsters.

Long insisted: "The youngsters need to be given a chance. At the same time, I still want to progress in this competition. It's a game I want to win."

Long is keeping his fingers crossed that Jamie Spencer returns having caught his leg on a fork lift truck while at work.