Football:
Alvechurch get back in the groove

By Liam Moakes Thursday 21 February 2013 Updated: 21/02 14:35

ALVECHURCH returned to form with four points from their two Midland Alliance fixtures over the past week.

Dean Holtham's side had lost their previous three matches in all competitions but secured a deserved 3-2 victory at Heather St John's on Saturday and then earned a 2-2 draw at home to top six outfit Tividale on Tuesday.

The midweek result was all the more impressive as Alvechurch were without Omari Sterling-James, Dayle Kenny and Jazz Luckie.

The hosts took a 13th minute lead through Joe Wright's rebound finish after Jamie Spencer's snap-shot had been saved and Wright had chances to extend their advantage, only for Tividale to level just after the break when Male's quality cross from the right flank was headed home by Matthew Jules.

Tividale began to boss proceedings and only some poor finishing and excellent goalkeeping from Liam Maher prevented them from taking the lead.

The visitors looked set to pay the full price for their profligacy when Alvechurch regained the lead 20 minutes from time when Liam Spink floated in a free kick which was met by a superb header from Spencer which landed in the far corner of the goal.

However, the visitors rescued a point when a misjudgement from Maher allowed Male to set up Taylor to convert at the second attempt from close range.

On Saturday Alvechurch were a goal down early on to Shane Gibbs' fortuitous effort but soon levelled when James Cosgrave's drive was only palmed out to Wright who pounced from close range.

The visitors took the lead on the half hour mark when Spink's corner was glanced into the far corner by Scott Smith and it was 3-1 just seven minutes later when Kenny's cross from the right looped over Heather keeper Stannage and nestled into the far corner of the goal via the post.

The home team rallied strongly and Maher produced some fine saves either side of a second Heather goal from Harris midway through the second half to ensure the visitors came away with a hard earned three points.

THERE was again no action for Studley as both Saturday's Alliance fixture at home to Loughborough University and Tuesday's Worcestershire Senior Urn last eight tie at Lye Town were postponed.

Tomorrow the 17th placed Bees have an important match at Highgate United before they make the trip to Lye Meadow on Tuesday to take on 11th placed Alvechurch, who have a home match tomorrow against a Gornal Athletic side with second place firmly in their sights.

MEANWHILE, Alvechurch have announced a number of events as part of their 100th year anniversary celebrations.

Amongst them is a sporting luncheon on May 17 with guest speaker Steve Claridge, hosted by Talksport's Ian Danter and also featuring comedian Jed Stone.

There is a Birmingham City All Stars charity football match in aid of Help for Heroes on May 25 and on June 8 the 'Blood, Sweat & Tears' white collar open air boxing show comes to Lye Meadow.

For more details about these and other events visit www.pitchero.com/clubs/alvechurch.