MANAGER Ian Long has praised his players after Alvechurch secured back-to-back promotions.

Church bagged a second place finish in the Evo-Stik Division One South thanks to Thursday night's goalless draw with Bedworth at Lye Meadow.

The success comes just a year after they were promoted from Midland Football League Premier.

Long said: "It's all about the players. They are the ones who put their bodies on the line week in, week out.

"They have been brilliant and the promotion is massive for them.

"We ask a lot of them at this level and put pressure on them and this is their reward for all the effort they have put in.

"They have had to play a lot of games in the last few weeks, the full-backs have been flogged, but we've finally got over the line.

"The backroom staff have all been brilliant as well and have played such a big part in the success."

The boss is now looking forward to helping the club continue to progress.

He added: "To be in a league with the likes of Stourbridge, Redditch and Halesowen is amazing and there is no reason why we can't continue to push on.

"There is potential there, especially once we get in the new ground.

"There is a lot to look forward to."