The aim was to secure a place in the newly formed Midland Alliance, but, having taken the West Midlands (Regional) League Premier Division title in 1994–95, the eagerly-awaited promotion was not granted. It did arrive at the end of the following season, however, following a second-placed berth during a campaign that also saw the League Cup and Midland Invitation Cup secured. The first season at the higher level ended with a mid-table finish as captain Adrian Horne won the Alliance Player of the Year. A position in the middle of the table was the norm for the next few years as the club consolidated.
