IAN LONG hopes Alvechurch’s superb win in ending Westfields’ perfect start to the season will prove they – and their other title rivals – can overhaul the tabletoppers.
The Churchmen’s 2-0 victory at Lye Meadow, courtesy of well-taken headers from Danny Dubidat and Josh March, wrecked Westfields’ ten-match winning run on Tuesday night.
Alvechurch moved into second place in the Midland League Premier Division table, one point behind the Hereford side who have five games in hand.
Manager Long was ‘over the moon’ with the performance but stressed his squad needs to maintain such levels tomorrow (Saturday) when fourth-placed Coleshill Town are the visitors.
“The title is still massively in Westfields’ hands but hopefully Tuesday night sent out a message that we will keep fighting to the end,” said Long. “There’s a ridiculous amount of football to be played yet.
“But I think it also shows that Westfields are not unbeatable and there are other sides who will be thinking they are not out of it either, teams like Khalsa, Coventry United, Lye and Coleshill.
“It was a must-win for us and probably for the league. We’ve done ourselves and our rivals a huge favour.”
Long admitted playing Westfields three days after the Hereford’s club’s biggest win in their 50-year history- reaching the FA Cup first round for the first time be beating Leiston – probably suited Alvechurch.
But regardless Alvechurch produced a scintillating first half and then followed it up with some resilient defending.
Josh Sarmento, who had bagged the winner in last Saturday’s 3-2 win against Loughborough University, was the catalyst for the first goal on 34 minutes. The lively winger flicked the ball past his marker on the right, then sped away to whip in a perfect cross for Dubidat to head home.
Though Alvechurch feared they might pay the price when March’s penalty was saved by Matt Gwynne after March had been fouled, the in-form midfielder duly added a second goal on the stroke of half-time. Another pinpoint cross, this time from Tom Turton on the left, found March running in at the far post to nod home.
“Everyone was superb,” said Long “Now we’ve got to follow it up by beating Coleshill.”
Long has bolstered his attacking options by signing former Swindon Town prospect Josh Cooke.
The 19-year-old impressed after playing against Alvechurch for Continental Star and scored two goals guesting for Smethwick Rangers in midweek.
“Josh is an old-fashioned type centre-forward; he puts himself about and holds the ball up well,” said Long.
20th Apr, 2024