Football
Alvechurch young guns pass a stern test

ALVECHURCH produced a gutsy performance to seal a 1-0 victory at Rocester on Saturday which moved them into seventh place in the Midland Alliance.

The victory at their high-flying hosts was a fourth league win in succession and proved Dean Holtham's young guns can stand toe to toe with physical opposition.

Both sides threatened early on but it was the Romans who spurned a fine chance to take the lead in the 21st minute.

After a corner was not fully cleared, Alvechurch keeper Liam Maher lunged at former Lye Meadow man Chris Sterling and left the referee with no option but to point to the penalty spot.

However, Maher made amends as he saved former Redditch United man Jordan Nadat's spot kick with his legs.

Jamie Spencer's 20-yard strike was a whisker away from putting Alvechurch ahead in the 44th minute, but he did bag the opening and ultimately only goal in the 68th minute in fine style.

Omari Sterling-James fed Ryan Edmunds and he powered forward before releasing Spencer who finished with aplomb from 15 yards.

Sterling-James spurned two chances to clinch victory before the hosts piled on the pressure in the closing stages, but they could not salvage a share of the spoils.

Alvechurch host unbeaten leaders Stratford Town tomorrow and will do so further boosted by a 2-1 home win over second placed Alliance outfit Stourport Swifts in the Worcestershire Senior Urn first round on Tuesday.

Spencer gave the hosts a second minute lead before Swifts' Jordan Jones levelled midway through the first half, but Edmunds ensured Alvechurch's progress with a 59th minute winner.

Alvechurch will travel to Bewdley Town in the second round.

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