IMPRESSIVE Alvechurch remain eight points clear on top of the Midland League following an emphatic 4-1 win at Walsall Wood.

The Church found themselves trailing from the word go when Joey Butlin fired Walsall Wood into a shock early lead.

Connor Deards equalised almost immediately after heading home from a corner.

But it wasn't until the second half that Church cut lose with further goals from Andy Parsons, substitute Mike Wardle and Danny Dubidat.

Church manager Ian Long said: "We didn't play very well at all in the first half and I gave the players a flea in their ear at half time. I told them how it was going to be and they took notice to the point where we never looked back.

"As a result, Walsall Wood looked tired and jaded in the second half as we began to work them really hard."

Long singled out the performance of Connor Deards as he added: "Connor has done everything we've asked of him. He hasn't always been first choice, but he's been patient, waited for his chance and is a really good character to have in the dressing room."

Alvechurch's afternoon only got better with title rivals Westfields losing out at Quorn which means they can now only draw level on points despite having six games in hand.

The Church were due to meet closest rivals Lye Town this week in the Polymac Packaging League Cup where Long was expecting to ring the changes.

Church have no fixture this Saturday but Long has hinted he might try and arrange a friendly with Stourport Swifts at Walshes Meadow, which would kick-off at the earlier time of noon.

Long said: "We're still in with a chance of winning three competitions and I want to maintain interest in them all."

FORMER Church and Redditch United boss Simon Redhead has joined the board at Lye Meadow where he will help out on the football side including recruitment and scouting.