Boss in fitting finale

By Will Wood

09 May 2008

DEPARTING Alvechurch manager Shaun Cunnington ended his reign at the club on a high after retaining the Worcester Infirmary Cup on Saturday.
Westfields were the unlucky losers after the two teams were locked at 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes, forcing the game into extra time and penalties on which Alvechurch eventually won 3-2.
The victory at St George’s Lane brings to an end a successful season for Cunnington who clinched a double by also lifting the Worcestershire Senior Urn three weeks ago.
In total Cunnington won three trophies in his two-year tenure at the Midland Alliance outfit following their Infirmary Cup victory over Blue Square North side Redditch United last season.
“To finish with two trophies after a long hard season is pleasing for everyone at the club,” Cunnington told The Standard.
“The club has come a long way in two years. I have enjoyed working with the players and directors and have nothing but praise for everyone there.
“There are a lot of good footballers there and hopefully the new manager will be able to keep them and bring in his own players and next year they can compete with the rest of them.”
The Lye Meadow outfit took the lead in the first half when Lee Chilton put them ahead but in the second period the symptoms of a long hard season began to show.
’Church were starting to tire and and were desperately hanging on to their 1-0 lead and with six minutes of injury time awaiting the teams at the end of the contest, Alvechurch fans held their breath.
Deep into stoppage time Westfields were awarded an attacking free kick and with the ball swung dangerously in, ’Church player Sam Brooks was unfortunate to put the ball into his own net.
But 17-year-old youth team goalkeeper Josh Coney proved the hero on the day as he saved a vital spot kick to hand ’Church the trophy.
The future appears bright for the club as Coney and the rest of the youngsters also lifted the Youth Cup as well three weeks ago to cap off a great year.

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