Earning strong support

AFC gives fans plenty to get excited about as a new year begins.

Alvechurch FC were still fifth in the league as we went to press, with three games in hand over leaders Stourbridge. The recent level of success on the pitch means it’s no surprise that ’Church have increased their home support this season by 51 per cent, the highest in the league.

Just four seasons ago the club were attracting fewer than 100 supporters to Lye Meadow, but after the back-to-back promotions the club now averages 268. Due to hard work both on and off the field, not only there is extra revenue coming in but the atmosphere in the ground is now buzzing with the extra vocal support.

In another statistical triumph for ’Church, the team displayed the best form in the league for October and November – they won five matches and lost one, scoring 11 goals and conceding eight, amassing 15 points in the process (a better run that those of big spenders Kings Lynn Town, Kettering Town and Stourbridge).

Speaking of Kings Lynn Town, the pre-season league favourites notched up a comfortable 3–0 win at Lye Meadow, but that was soon forgotten with a feisty encounter at Rushall Olympic. The match looked to be heading for a 1–1 draw until AFC’s Kieran Cook bagged a last-minute winner (and goal of the month) by shooting across the keeper.

This was followed by an exciting home clash with St Neots. Alvechurch took an early lead but two quick St Neots goals just before the break meant the home side had it all to do in the second half. They didn’t disappoint, scoring twice more to secure the win.

December began inauspiciously with a 4–2 away loss to Biggleswade Town, then came two solid draws against Halesowen Town and Rushden & Diamonds – plus a dramatic late win at Lowestoft, with Andre Landell’s header one minute from time bagging the points for ’Church. The home match against Leiston, already postponed from November, was called off again due to a waterloggd pitch. It’s that time of year. . .

* The club has waved goodbye to several players recently – Taylor Morrison has left to join fellow Southern League Central Premier side Stratford Town, having joined AFC earlier this season from the West Bromwich Albion academy.

Also leaving is forward Danny O’Callaghan, joining Rushall Olympic who also play in the same league as Alvechurch.

After completing a month’s loan back at Lye Meadow, fan favourite Yusifu Ceesay has been loaned out again by Blackpool FC, this time to National League Northern side AFC Telford.

However, centre forward Tristan Dunkley has returned to Alvechurch bringing plenty of experience – as well as playing for Loughborough University while studing, he’s had spells at Worcester City, Hednesford, Halesowen, Solihull, Rushall Olympic and Tamworth.

Congratulations to forward Kieran Cook, who won both the Player of the Month and Goal of the Month awards for November. The 18-year-old’s hard work and tenacious play make him a deserved winner, as does his last-minute winner away at Rushall Olympic.

* 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
All league fixtures unless stated

Sat Dec 29  3pm  Tamworth (H) 

Tues Jan 1  3pm  Banbury Town (A) 

Sat Jan 5  3pm  Stratford Town (A) 

Sat Jan 12   3pm  Halesowen Town (H) 

Sat Jan 19   3pm  St Neots Town (A)

Tues Jan 22  7.45pm  Stratford Town (H)

Sat Jan 26  3pm  Rushall Olympic (H)

Sat Feb 2  3pm   Kings Lynn Town (A)

Sat Feb 9  3pm  Bedworth United (H)

Sat Feb 16  3pm  Biggleswade Town (H)

Sat Feb 23  3pm   Leiston (A)