INKBERROW took the derby spoils with a 1-0 victory at Alcester Town in Midland League Division Three on Saturday.
Town player-manager Danny Janes was highly critical of the performance of his players and the referee in a match which saw both sides reduced to ten men and was very low on quality.
Nathan Davies struck from a goalmouth scramble to give Inkberrow a first half lead and the visitors held on to seal a league double over Town.
The hosts improved after the break and Matt Chambers fired a 20-yard strike against the post before Josh Moore and Matt Layton both had half chances.
However, Alcester then had Kyle Xavier sent off for a second yellow card and the game opened up, with Inkberrow looking dangerous on the break and forcing Richard Layton into a couple of smart saves to keep the home side in the game.
Inkberrow were also reduced to ten men when Davies was dismissed for a second booking, but Town could not force an equaliser as the visitors defended deep to see out time.
Janes knows a massive improvement is needed from his side if they are to stand a chance in Saturday’s Challenge Vase semi-final at home to Division Three leaders NKF Burbage.
“The game is going to be immensely tough. Burbage’s statistics this season are exceptional,” said Janes.
“The players must respond after the Inkberrow performance and there is no better way to do that than in a semi-final.
“The players are in for a shock over the next couple of weeks. Some of them rely on their reputation and I can’t accept performances with such low quality again.”
Inkberrow host AFC Solihull in the league on Saturday.
FECKENHAM saw Saturday’s Midland League Division Two encounter at Knowle fall victim to a waterlogged pitch.
The 11th placed Millers return to action on Saturday with a home game against Smithswood Firs.
