Football
Alvechurch win away at high-flyers

ALVECHURCH built on their superb Birmingham Senior Cup victory over Leamington with a gritty 1-0 Midland Alliance win at Loughborough University's impressive new stadium on Saturday.

It was a deserved victory for the visitors as they took the game to their fourth placed hosts from the outset.

Tristian Dunkley, Omari Sterling-James and Jazz Luckie had all threatened the hosts' goal before Sterling-James almost released Dunkley in on goal with a fine through ball in the 22nd minute, but the ball was intercepted by the Loughborough defence.

University responded and eight minutes before the break Jordan Barker's superb strike forced an excellent full length stop from Alvechurch keeper Liam Maher.

Liam Spink had a half chance for the visitors on the stroke of half time but shot wide under pressure.

The decisive moment arrived just before the hour mark when the talented Sterling-James combined well in the box with the in-form Luckie and the latter fired home the winning goal.

Loughborough had a chance to level 20 minutes from time but Daniel Nti could only head weakly at Maher and the chance was spurned.

The hosts then wasted a gilt-edged chance in the 87th minute when Alun Webb was brought down in the area by Sam Lee but Maher produced a brilliant save to keep out substitute Sam Cook's penalty and the visitors were able to celebrate a highly impressive victory.

Dean Holtham's side sit eighth in the table with 20 points from 14 games and entertain Tipton Town tomorrow.

Alvechurch's reward for beating Leamington in the Birmingham Senior Cup is a second round tie at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday, November 28 (7.30pm).

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