Alvechurch edged out local rivals Bromsgrove Sporting, in a brilliant game of football at Lye Meadow, to progress in the FA Cup.
A whirlwind game saw the scores level at 2-2 at half-time, before two Tom Turton penalties won the game for Church. Both sides showed brilliant attacking flair throughout a passionate, and feisty derby match.
The start of the game set the tone for the rest of the match with both sides having chances early on. Kieran Cook was played through by Josh March, but saw his shot saved by Reece Francis; while John Pykett fired over for Bromsgrove.
It was the visitors who took the lead however. Midfielder Josh Quaynor picked the ball up in midfield and fired a superb 25 yard strike past Matt Sargeant in the Alvechurch goal. Alvechurch though responded instantly. Right from the kick-off the ball found March who found the net to quickly level things back up.
This led to Ian Long's side getting a hold of the game and they soon took the lead. Luke Yates was denied by Francis, but Bromsgrove failed to clear; allowing Josh Ezwele to cross to Yates who made no mistake a second time.
Bromsgrove though kept pushing the Alvechurch back-line, and a clever turn from Jason Cowley led to him being brought down in the box. Richard Gregory stepped up and slotted home his sixth goal of the season. Cowley then fired over as an entertaining half ended.
The second-half was just as lively as the first, with plenty of tackles going in. However, both sides couldn't create a real chance, with March curling wide and Cowley seeing a weak shot saved by Sargeant. That changed however, when Mitch Botfield found himself through on goal and was brought down by Daniel Morris for a penalty.
Turton, who scored four penalties in pre-season, kept his cool to put Church ahead. Again though Bromsgrove hit back, but Harry Higginson's header from a corner hit the post. This miss proved crucial as Alvechurch were rewarded another penalty soon after.
March was brought down this time, and Turton again fired the ball home from the spot. Despite Nathan Hayward heading in to make it a nervy finish, Alvechurch held on to defeat their local rivals and get their first win of the season.
Report courtesy of Lewis Glannon (Alvechurch F. C.) |