Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeFeaturesOnwards and upwards

Onwards and upwards

-

squad
First team squad (Photo/ Ian Macvie)

Alvechurch FC make steady progress at the start of the season.

Alvechurch finished their pre-season campaign on a high with an entertaining 3–3 draw at home to Evesham United; Taylor Morrison ensuring the point late on with a 25-yard effort.

Unfortunately the opening day of the new season did not bring such rewards as ’Church suffered a 3–0 defeat at Royston Town. They struggled to create a real chance and were undone by Royston’s smart set-plays in what was largely a midfield battle.

Alvechurch then claimed their first point of the season in a 2–2 home draw with Barwell Town. They took the lead after two minutes via Kyle Rowley’s header, but the visitors responded quickly and were level just five minutes later.

Brady Hickey, who scored a brace at Lye Meadow in March, then ghosted in unmarked to head in for Barwell, before ’Church were denied a blatant penalty. But shortly afterwards Josh Ezewele’s cross/shot deflected into the net to level the game at half-time – and that’s how it finished after a sloppy second half.

Things could only get better for AFC, who continued their upward curve with a 5–0 demolition of Hitchin Town. They took the lead after seven minutes, with Kyle Morrison getting on the end of Jamie Willets’ knock-down to score.

Winger John Atherton then picked up the ball just past the half-way line and dribbled past a number of Hitchin players before slotting in for a stunning solo goal in front of the Lye Meadow faithful.

Just two minutes into the second half, ’Church were three goals to the good as Jordan Goddard led a brilliant counter-attack and played through Nesbitt who dinked the ball over Mollison and into the net.

Nesbitt then finished superbly from a tight angle to make it 4–0. And when Kyle Rowley saw his header cleared off the line by Jay Dowie’s deliberate handball, the Hitchin man was sent off and Nesbitt converted to complete his hat-trick for 5–0.

Alvechurch are due to travel to  West Midland Premier side Wolverhampton Sporting CFC in the first round of the JW Hunt Cup on September 3, ahead of the qualifying rounds of the FA Cup.

*  Due to an injury to first-choice keeper Lloyd Ransome, Church have signed loanee Niall Clayton, an ex-Oxford United and Wales youth keeper who started his football career at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Darren Byfield has also secured the loan signings of forwards Ryan Nesbitt and Ben Usher-Shipway from National League side Solihull Moors.Ryan was a prolific scorer for Sutton Coldfield last season while on loan.

Other new additions are Dean Fisher, who impressed playing for Littleton in pre-season, defender Kyle Rowley and pacy winger Jordan Smith Williams. Ex-Halesowen midfielder Aaron Gilpin will play alongside the experienced Jordan Goddard who has played at a higher level.

Fan favourite Babucar Sauane has returned to the club, while Ben Cassidy has progressed through the Alvechurch ranks and has been promoted to the first team.

* Alvechurch FC are delighted to be able to offer boardroom hospitality for the forthcoming season. The offer includes: Raised decking viewing area; 10 free match tickets; Free drink; Free food; Match programme and website advertising; Man of the match photo. For more details of the deals available please contact the club.

*  For more info or sponsorship enquiries, please contact Trevor Ball at saintsarehot2@btinternet.com or visit www.pitchero.com/clubs/alvechurch
Follow the club on Twitter @Alvechurch1st

FIXTURES (League unless stated)

Tues Sep 3  Wolverhampton Sporting CFC (A) 7.45pm  JW Hunt Cup 1st Round

Sat Sep 7  FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round

Sat Sep 14  Peterboro Sports (H) 3pm

Tues Sep 17  Stratford Town (A) 7.45pm

Sat Sep 21  FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round

Sat Sep 28  Biggleswade Town (H) 3pm

Sat Oct 5  Tamworth (A) 3pm

Sat Oct 12  Needham Market (A) 3pm

Previous article
Next article