ALVECHURCH bring an end to a frustrating league season on Saturday, with their focus still on ending the campaign with silverware.
Mid-table Alvechurch hosted basement side Heath Hayes last night (Thursday) before heading to AFC Wulfrunians tomorrow for the final match of the Midland Football League Premier Division season.
However, manager Lee Knight will shuffle his pack to prepare for the JW Hunt Cup semi-final in which Alvechurch will entertain either Tividale or Sporting Khalsa – who met last night – in the last four on a date yet to be decided, with the winners then having a trip to Molineux – the home of Wolves – for the final.
Knight is anxious to avoid any injuries from a busy period of four matches in a week, but his side also need to find their form. The 2-0 cup success against Wolves Sporting has been their only win in the last ten games.
For all their possession, Alvechurch have struggled for goals and, after a goalless draw at home to Quorn on Saturday, they went down 1-0 to third placed Long Eaton United at Lye Meadow on Tuesday.
Against Quorn, it was game of few clear chances, but the hosts threatened in the first half when Gareth Evans headed wide and Luke Dugmore smashed a shot just wide.
In the second period, substitute Joel Ambulu’s effort was deflected into the side-netting and he then volleyed just wide after linking up with Evans.
It was a similar story against Long Eaton as Alvechurch’s run without a league win extended to nine games.
The closest to a goal came when a Dimitri Dunkley flick was cleared off the line, while Evans fired off target late on, but Long Eaton took the points thanks to Tom Cooper-Richards’ 44th minute strike.
Alvechurch will be holding trials for their new U18s squad to play in the Midland Floodlit Youth League next season.
The trials will be held at Lye Meadow on May 9 from noon to 2pm. Contact Scott Wilkinson on 07463 345130 or Tyrone Henderson on 07966 250087 to register.
