Church came into the game looking to get their play-off push back on track following Tuesday’s defeat to Kings Lynn Town, which left them a point and a place outside of the top five; albeit having a game in hands on their rivals.

They made the dream start when after six minutes Kyle Morrison gave them the lead. Aaron Llyod did well to keep the ball under pressure and played it to Tom Tonks whose cross was headed in by Morrison for his second goal of the season.

Ian Long’s side continued their quick start with Kieran Cook beating his man, but he fired wide of the goal from range.

This proved to be the last chance of the first half for a while; with the action petering out. Llyod saw a weak header easily saved by Martin Conway.

St Ives ended the half strongly however with Dan Crane denying Robbie Parker and Ben Baker well.

Just like in the first half Alvechurch got off to a quick start with Tonks bagging his first goal for the club just three minutes after the re-start. Morrison played a lovely ball to Josh Ezwele whose cutback found the former Stourbridge man to slot past Conway.

Tonks then nearly got a second goal with what would have been a goal of the season contender. Conway’s weak clearance fell to the midfielder on the half-way line, but his strike dropped just wide of the post; before Cook was denied a third by Conway.

Just like in the first half however, it was St Ives had a spell towards the end of the match where they pushed for a goal. Crane superbly saved low down to deny Baker while Gavin Hoyte could only poke an effort over the bar.

Substitute Andre Landell then nearly put the icing on the cake for Church, but saw his volley go over the bar.

The win move’s Alvechurch into the play-off places ahead of a run of three games at home; starting with Barwell on Tuesday.