KEITH Rostill's second minute strike gave Alvechurch the perfect start to the season and fired a message to their Polymac Services League rivals.

Church cruised to a 3-0 opening day victory over visitors Biddulph Victoria and boss Shaun Cunnington warned it was the shape of things to come from his Lye Meadow side.

"We played some good stuff, created plenty of chances, and could have won by a few more at the end," Cunnington admitted.

"I want to win every game we play but I also want us to win the right way. We are an exciting team to watch and we are going to create a lot of chances."

Rostill's goal was all that separated the sides at the break but Church made sure of the points thanks to a Jamie McWilliams volley and a cool finish from Lee Chilton. McWilliams also hit the upright with a penalty at the start of the second half.

Cunnington gave a debut to former Dundalk and Shelbourne defender Brendan Kelly who had spent the pre-season with neighbours Redditch United.

"Brendan played for Redditch against us in pre-season and I liked what I saw," the Church boss added. "I think Gary (Whild) had a surplus of defenders so I asked Brendan to come along and enjoy playing football for us."

The early league leaders were due to head to Racing Club Warwick last night before welcoming Romulus to Lye Meadow on Saturday (ko 3pm) for their third league game in eight days. Church then head to neighbours Studley on Tuesday (ko 7.45pm).

Cunnington added: "Romulus will be a true test of where we are at the moment. They have a fantastic team spirit and it is excellent to see what they have achieved in the past three or four years.

"Being a home game we will be looking to win but we need to match their team ethic."