DEADLY David Bellis blasted home a last-gasp winner as Alvechurch finally got their Northern Premier League Division One South promotion push back on track with a 2-1 New Year's Day win over a resolute Romulus side.

Tom Turton had fired the Church in front from the penalty spot shortly before half-time but Cameron Lee's equaliser on the hour led to tense finish.

Victory put the seal on a stop-start festive campaign which saw the Church fall further behind with their fixtures.

Church boss Ian Long said: "We've played less games than anyone else in the league now but if we can win those games in hand, it puts us in a very strong position.

"I was really pleased with the 0-0 draw at Bedworth United. We went into the game having not played for three weeks and given that Bedworth play on a plastic pitch, I thought it was a well-earned point in what was otherwise a poor game.

"What pleased me even more was the manner in which we won against Romulus, because we kept going to the end. It wasn't a case of luck, because we've done that on several occasions. It only underlines the fitness within the squad".

Long also continues to pay tribute to everyone who helped out after supporter Rick Edwards collapsed with a heart attack during the abandoned game with Gresley Rovers.

He revealed: "Rick is expected to make a full recovery and we can't wait to see him again at Lye Meadow.

"He follows us both home and away and although I've spoken to him on many occasion, I didn't actually know his name.

"I look back now at people like Josh March's dad Kevin and Luke Yates' mum Jude and I think to myself, they're the real heroes. It's something they can be proud of for the rest of their lives.

"It was terrible at the time, you feel so helpless and I really didn't think Rick was going to make it.

"But he did what Alvechurch always do - he kept fighting.

"Everyone from the players, officials and supporters were fantastic. The referee refused to take his match fee and Gresley were great, very understanding.

"The best thing that we can do for Rick now is to make sure we get three points at Chasetown on Saturday".

Church are likely to rule out Alex Dallison, Ryan Winwood and Babucar Sauane while Nathan Waite has gone out on loan with Sporting Khalsa.