ALVECHURCH survived the rigours of an awful ill-wind in East Anglia to snatch a dramatic last gasp 2-1 win at strugglers Lowestoft Town to stay fifth in Evo Stik Southern League Central Premier Division.

Andre Carvalho-Landell landed a 94th minute goal to clinch the points which Church had fully deserved.

That was after Church had fallen behind to a freak goal from Lowestoft striker Kieron Higgs.

Church boss Ian Long described the weather elements as one of the worst he'd ever experienced and said: "Lowestoft's goal was a complete fluke. Ash Carter has gone to make a square pass to Jamie Willetts when a huge gust of wind made the ball stop dead in the pitch.

"Their striker has intercepted but then appeared to hit his shot high and wide to the point where our goalkeeper Matt Sargeant has left it.

"But the wind took hold of the ball again and it must have dropped six to eight feet and goes into the net. It was farcical.

On another situation, Matt Sargeant has gone to take a goal kick, blasted it only for the ball to go out for a corner to Lowestoft.

"It was a real credit to my players that we kept going and kept trying to play football.

"Even at 70 minutes, we were a goal down before finally levelling, Jamie Willetts heading home from a set-piece.

"In the end, I was just happy to get the three points and it made for a sweet coach journey home afterwards.

"I thought Lowestoft looked a club in trouble and had the conditions been better, we would have beaten them much more comfortably.

"It was important that we got the three points and returned to winning ways against one of the strugglers if we have any aspirations about making the play-offs.

"But I also want to pay tribute to the 20 plus Church supporters who made the trip to Lowestoft.

"They made a real effort for a journey which must have cost them a great deal of time and money. I really appreciate it!

Church were due to entertain Leiston this week before making another long distance trip to Royston on Saturday.

Long will be without central defender Jamie Willetts who will miss the next six to eight weeks after having surgery.

Goalkeeper Charlie Price has also gone under the knife but Long is hopeful of having Mitch Botfield back in action after sustaining a bruised shin.

Long has also added Rahis Nabi and Tristian Dunkley to his squad.

Birmingham based Nabi was previously with West Bromwich Albion and Burnley while Dunkley signed for Tamworth this season but not featured having been formerly with Hednesford.

Both came off the bench against Lowestoft and Long confirmed: "They will be add something to the squad which we haven't got".