ALVECHURCH booked their place in the Worcestershire Senior Cup final at the expense of rivals Redditch United following a penalty shootout victory.
After a goalless 90 minutes the game went straight to penalties only for Church goalkeeper Ronnie Hollingshead to save two spot kicks as the visitors triumphed 4-1 in the shootout at the Valley Stadium.
Church will play either Kidderminster Harriers or Evesham United in the showpiece while the Reds missed the chance to reach back-to-back Worcestershire Senior Cup finals.
The home side spurned an early chance to take the lead when AJ George saw his goalbound effort deflected behind for a corner.
At the other end, Nick Clayton-Phillips curled a free-kick inches over the crossbar from 25-yards out.
Redditch responded with a chance of their own as Jaiden White jinked his way down the right before cutting inside and firing a tame effort straight at Hollingshead.
After the teams headed into break goalless, the Reds squandered a golden chance to take the lead when Morgan Owen slipped Alex Cameron through on goal only for Hollingshead to make a crucial save.
Alvechurch keeper Hollingshead then tipped the ball over the bar after a Church player inadvertently flicked George’s dangerous free-kick towards the top corner.
Clear-cut chances remained at a premium as Cameron shot straight at Hollingshead from distance.
The visitors almost stunned the home side when substitute DJ Campton-Sturridge sent a lob inches over the crossbar from Ethan McLeod’s superb lofted through ball.
However, neither side were able to find a goal meaning the game would be decided by penalties.
In the shootout Jaanai Gordon put Church ahead before Hollingshead superbly denied both Jordan Cranston and George.
Both Jack Hallahan and Josh Dugmore scored for Church as Aram Soleman converted Redditch’s only penalty to keep the Reds in the contest.
However, Leo Brown’s successful spot kick sealed victory for Church as James Fry’s side continued their fine recent form to book their place in the final.
