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October 8th
 | Kenilworth Wardens 5 Alvechurch 3 (H.T.3-2)
Alvechurch were hopeful that they could reverse last seasons semi-final defeat against last years nearly men (Wardens were runners-up in both the League and the Cup).
'Church' started confidently and it was no surprise when they took the lead through Franc Kokaj after ten minutes and continued to dominate the game, but after twenty minutes 'Church' were left dumbstruck twice in as many minutes as Wardens were awarded two penalties which they gratefully converted. A quick thinking Simon Rose then caught the keeper out by returning a weak goal kick straight back into the net for a deserved equaliser, but Wardens broke quickly just before the break and a strong run and cross was met with a thumping header to give them the edge at the interval.
Alvechurch took a while to get themselves re-organised at the start of the second half and by that time they found themselves a further two goals in arrears.Slowly they fought their way back into the game and when John Sewell rounded off an excellent move with a cool finish to pull a goal back with fifteen minutes remaining it signalled an onslaught on the Wardens goal but their defence held out and they were gladly relieved to hear the final whistle blow. Man of the Match:Ben Harris
Coincidentally Wardens visit Lye Meadow this week for a League Game and if Alvechurch don't concede the middle part of the game then a shock could be on the cards |
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October 1st
Leamington Hibernian 0 Alvechurch 2 (H.T.0-1)
Inspite of not having had a game for three weeks Alvechurch were quickly into their stride and totally dominated the opening fifteen minutes,eventually they took the lead after a strong run down the left saw Luke James picking out Simon Rose, who calmly slotted the ball away.The remainder of the half saw some wasted chances and solid defending keeping Hibs still in the game.
The second half was a duplicate of the first, Franc Kokaj added the second with a powerful header after ten minutes , but then good goalkeeping and resolute defending kept the scoreline respectable for Hibs. Simon Bayley had an impressive debut with Man of the Match going to Simon Rose. |
September 10th
Rugby Rangers 6 Alvechurch 2 (H.T.2-1)
Opening day of the season was a toughie in every aspect, the longest journey , scorching weather opponents that 'take no prisoners', plus memories were still fresh from the last game of last season which saw the sides up against each other, with Rugby needing a victory to share the title, well that is history now, the lads drew 3-3 and spoilt Rugby's party and they now had the opportunity of instant revenge.
Rangers took a two goal lead midway through the half but a fine four man move was well finished off by Franc Kokaj to put 'Church' back in the game by the break.
Rugby struck almost immediately after the break with a fluke 'up and under' defensive clearance bouncing over the stranded Kyle Suggars in the 'Church' goal. Simon Rose had the perfect answer to this as he replied instantly with a stunning volley from the edge of the box and 'Church' were back in it. Unfortunately they then lost skipper Ben Harris through injury and then were reduced to ten men as the heat took its toll on Steven Hope, but Alvechurch hung on in there until the game exploded with ten minutes remaining. Luke James was lucky to escape in one piece after an awful challenge left him poleaxed,leaving the lads to play out the remaining minutes of the game in fear for their safety as the game detriorated into a farce, where the score was unimportant and boys football was the real loser.
Man of the Match:Sean Maddison and Kyle Suggars |
October 15th
Alvechurch 0 Kenilworth Wardens 4 (H.T.0-2)
A dissapointing performance from Alvechurch especially after the previous weeks outing against them in the cup.
Wardens took a fifth minute lead after 'Church' failed to clear their lines and from then on were always chasing the game.Another goal ten minutes before the break saw a 'Church' rally but chances were at a premium but if a thumping drive from Mark Giles which had goal written all over it hadn't hit an unknowing Wardens defender to deflect wide the match could have taken on a different look.
Alvechurch were much livelier second half with Luke James going close twice, before Wardens added another two to give a rather flattering look to the scoreline although it has to be said that keeper Nathan Woodward had previously kept 'Church' in the game with three astonishing saves.
Man of the Match:Luke James |
November 26th
Ford Juniors 0 Alvechurch 2 (H.T.0-0)
Alvechurch had their first game for six weeks and were good value for a comprehensive win.
Understandably rusty for the first 15 minutes, they were thankfull for the safe handling of keeper Nathan Woodward but as the game wore on Alvechurch began to grow in confidence and moved the ball around well and frequently exposed their opponents. The second half was a one sided affair as Franc Kokaj and David Lindsay dominated the center of the pitch, in fact it was the same two players who notched almost identical goals early in the half, both thumping in unstoppable shots from 20 yards. The whole side were excellent after their long spell of inactivity with captain Ben Harris an inspiration at the back.
Men of the Match:Franc Kokaj and David Lindsay |
December 3rd
Kenilworth Wardens Rovers 0 Alvechurch 6 (H.T.0-2)
Alvechurch were always on top in this match in which quality football was at a premium, which was understandable considering the conditions.
They were soon two goals up,with the first a fine four man move, Chris Parish broke down a Wardens attack and played the ball out to Simon Bayley who neatly played it on to Simon Rose who in turn knocked it into the path of John Sewell who raced clear of the Wardens defence to hit an angled drive past the keeper. Soon after that Franc Kokaj was upended in the box and skipper Ben Harris calmly placed the resultant penalty into the back of the net. Chances then went begging as Alvechurch got stuck in the mud and Wardens defended deeply.
The second half burst into life with Luke James running on to a long through ball to round the stranded keeper and put Alvechurch three up. This was followed by a confident solo run from Franc Kokaj for number four. The fifth came again from Franc Kokaj who tapped in after an alert Simon Rose had nipped in to rob the keeper on his six yard line. With the sixth and final goal coming in the last minute through John Sewell, who powerfully headed in a Kyle Suggars cross.
Men of the Match:Simon Bayley and John Sewell |
14th January
Whitnash Juniors 0 Alvechurch 9 (H.T. 0-6)
Alvechurch eased themselves into the semi-finals of the cup against a dissapointing Whitnash side.Having had two very competitive games with them at under 11's, Alvechurch were expecting the same again, but the game was all over from the moment Franc Kokaj scored after 15 minutes as the gulf between first and second division became apparent. Simon Rose quickly added number two, which was soon followed by goals from Luke Hallahan, Luke James, David Lindsay and another from Franc Kokaj to make it 6-0 at the break. Alvechurch eased up in the second half with John Sewell adding the seventh, Simon Rose notching his second and Franc Kokaj slamming in a 25 yard free-kick to complete his hat-trick and Church's scoring.
Man of the Match:David Lindsay |
28th January
Southam Town 2 Alvechurch 4 (H.T. 1-1)
Alvechurch put up a gritty team display to pinch all three points from their journey to Southam. There was not much to choose between the sides in the first half, Southam taking the lead after 20 minutes with Luke Hallahan netting an equaliser just a couple of minutes later. The second half opened with Southam in a very determined mode and they regained the lead after two minutes. They then increased the pressure and kept Church on the backfoot for long periods, with Nathan Woodward in goal making two brilliant saves, Sean Maddison and Kyle Suggars both clearing off their own line and together with Captain Ben Harris and full back Chris Parish the Church defence weathered the storm and managed a rare attack in which Mark Giles equalised. The remaining ten minutes was end to end stuff, but Simon Rose must have broke Southams hearts when he bravely headed Church into the lead with seven minutes remaining, then with Southam throwing caution to the wind in search of an equaliser, Luke James broke clear from the half way line to ensure the victory.
Men of the Match:Sean Maddison and Kyle Suggars |
February 18th
Kenilworth Wardens 4 Alvechurch 0 (H.T.3-0)
Alvechurch surrendered all three points to their bogey side Wardens in a dreadful opening twelve minutes. Kenilworth caught Church napping as they quickly established a match winning three goal margin with some simple basic football that found Alvechurch guilty of ball watching. Church then had to roll their sleeves up and give a more determined approach to the remainder of the match just to be sure that they weren't drubbed. To their credit they battled themselves back into the match and maybe if they had got a goal back just before or after the interval when they had Wardens under tremendous pressure, then the game may have taken on a different complexion, as it was though, Wardens soaked up the pressure and then in the final minute of the game added a fourth with a fine solo goal. Men of the Match:Ben Harris and Kyle Suggars |
February 25th
Norton Lindsey 5 Alvechurch 0 (H.T.0-0)
Alvechurch visited last years double winners and gave an encouraging first half display as they battled hard to come away with at least a point. On the back foot for long periods, some fine goalkeeping from Nathan Woodward and solid work from Sean Maddison and Ben Harris at the heart of the defence kept the score goaless at half time.But fortune did not favour 'Church' and a hotly disputed penalty early into the second half saw 'Church' quickly fold as the champs punished them severley for lapses of concentration. Man of the Match:Ben Harris |
March 4th
Braunston Juniors 0 Alvechurch 9 (H.T.0-3)
Alvechurch returned home from an epic journey to last years 2nd Division Champions with all three points. The writing was on the wall after just five minutes when Simon Rose had enough time to pick his spot with a neatly placed header, Franc Kokaj quickly made it two and a third came just before the interval when Simon Rose finished off a great move with a volley from the edge of the box.Luke James got number four early into the second half then there was a quick-fire hat trick for John Sewell the first with a header followed by two almost identical strikes having outpaced the defence to chip the advancing keeper from the angle. Luke James added number eight before Franc Kokaj finished off the rout five minutes from the end. Man of the Match:Ben Harris |
March 11th
St Peters Celtic 2 Alvechurch 4 (H.T.2-1)
A fine second half display saw Alvechurch come away with all three points in a game dominated for long spells by Celtic. A five minute opening barrage of successive corners for Celtic amounted to nothing as Church went straight down the other end and won a corner of their own. Before Celtic got themselves organised it was taken quickly and short to Ben Harris who hammered it into the net from the edge of the box. Celtic fought back strongly and it was no surprise that they first equalised after ten minutes and then took the lead with a fine headed goal midway through the half. Alvechurch stuck at their task valiantly and kept Celtic at bay for the rest of the half. The second half saw Celtic put the pressure on in an attempt to kill Church off, but again brave defending kept Church in the game and then midway through the half Simon Rose pounced on a long crossfield ball to put Church back on level terms. Then with ten minutes remaining, shear dogged persistence from John Sewell saw him disposess his marker and his cross was volleyed home again by Simon Rose to put Church in front and then with just three minutes to go Simon Rose outpaced his marker to race onto a through ball from David Lindsay and his fierce drive gave him a deserved hat trick and a victory for Alvechurch. Men of the Match:Simon Rose and Chris Parish |
29th March
Central Ajax 1 Alvechurch 2 (H.T.0-1 )
Alvechurch finally overcame their bogey side in a very tight game diverted to Newbold Comyn, Ajax started the brightest and Church had to thank keeper Nathan Woodward for an incredible stop midway through the half which kept them on level terms. Mark Giles was introduced just a couple of minutes before the break and he immediately had an effect on the game as he set up Simon Rose for a sweet left footed strike to give Church the lead just seconds before the interval. With a strong wind in their favour Ajax pressurised Church for long spells but some resolute defending from the back four, coupled with competent goal keeping, denied Ajax any clear sight of goal. Then mid-way through the half Simon Bayley played a precise pass into the path of John Sewell who outpaced three Ajax defenders and calmly slotted home Churchs' second past an onrushing keeper, to effectively kill the game off. Ajax pushed everyone forward in search of a way back into the game, but Alvechurch stood firm untill the last kick of the game when Ajax notched a consolation effort but it was to be too little too late.
Man of the Match: Nathan Woodward |
April 1st
Bilton Ajax 2 Alvechurch 2 (H.T.1-1)
Alvechurch 0 Bilton Ajax 0
Because of our fixture backlog we elected to play a 'double header' at Bilton. The much improved side from Rugby shocked Church mid-way through the first half by knocking in a free kick from just outside the box and although Church had most of the play thay had to wait until almost half time before John Sewell lobbed the keeper from 30yards. Again Church had most of the attacking moves in the second half but a mix up at the back gifted Bilton the lead again with just five minutes remaining, this was the signal for an out and out onslaught on the Bilton goal and it was no surprise when Ben Harris pounced on a loose ball on the edge of the box and slammed it home for an equaliser, Bilton then held out in a desperate final couple of minutes as the ball seemed to be locked in their box like a pinball machine to keep a point a piece.
The second game was a scrappy niggly affair which sadly was dominated by the referee with no side getting into any rhythm although again the Bilton goal led a charmed life. Man of the Matches:Mark Giles |
5th April
Alvechurch 1 Norton Lindsey 6 (H.T.0-3)
A disappointing result but not a disappointing performance.The torrential rain and the 'foot and mouth' restrictions meant that this game couldn't take part at either ground so after a few possibilities the game went ahead at Newbold Comyn, Leamington.The reigning champions were quick to adjust to the "paddyfield" conditions and notched a two goal lead after a quarter of an hour, but Church started to battle back and some fine build up play led to many chances but Norton rode their luck and scored again just before and after the break to kill the game off, when the fifth went in it inspired Church into the move of the match with Mark Giles netting. In fading light Norton added a sixth, but it was a game which could have just as easily finished 7 or 8 a piece. |
12th April
Alvechurch 2 Rugby Rangers 3 (H.T.0-0)
On only their second appearance at Lye Meadow this season Alvechurch put up possibly their best display ever. Against title chasing Rangers Church looked different class as the untried central midfield duo of Franc Kokaj and Luke Hallahan and the wider smaller figures of Mark Giles and Luke James dominated the centre of the park and chances just kept on flowing but alas none were taken in the first half. The second half followed the same pattern and eventually after 10 minutes the deadlock was broken when Ben Harris floated over a free kick which was only half cleared and there was John Sewell to volley home from 12 yards.Unfortunately Church then sat back and allowed Rugby a way back into a game they just hadn't been in. Rangers quickly took advantage with three quick goals but after fine work by Franc Kokaj down the right,John Sewell was on hand to gratefully tap into an empty net and set up a thrilling finale, which saw the Rugby goal somehow remain intact. Man of the Match:Luke Hallahan |
April 12th
Alvechurch 3 Bilton Ajax 0 (H.T. 1-0)
Alvechurch cruised into the final of the Supplementary Cup, with a totally dominant performance against their opponents from Rugby.
John Sewell and Simon Rose both had goals disallowed early on , but it was just a matter of time before they eventually took the lead approaching the break with a neat finish from Simon Rose.
The second half was all one way traffic with Luke James adding number 2 shortly after the restart.Church then had to wait until 10 minutes from time before Chris Parish added some respectability to the scoreline.
Men of the Match:Luke James and Franc Kokaj |
April 19th
Alvechurch 5 Leamington Hibs 0 (H.T.2-0)
Church were again in total control in a game played at times in sleet and hail !
Simon Rose gave them the lead after just 5 minutes and then Luke James added number 2 with a header from a Franc Kokaj free kick. Early in the second half John Sewell had a goal disallowed but just a minute later added a legitimate third thumping in from the edge of the box. Kyle Suggars soon notched number 4 from the penalty spot before Simon Rose made it five in the last minute.
Man of the Match:Kyle Suggars |
April 22nd
Alvechurch 1 Central Ajax 0 (H.T.0-0)
In a tight, hard fought game Church eventually wore their arch rivals down just seven minutes from the end of the game to complete a notable double. Church with a fierce wind in their favour had most of the pressure but failed to create any clear chances and it was Ajax who went closest with an effort against the bar.
The second half saw Church easily soak up Ajax pressure and were by now creating chances. With a no score draw looking favourite,persistant play from down the right by John Sewell saw him swing over a perfect cross for Simon Rose to bravely head in to give Church a deserved win.
Men of the Match:Simon Rose and Franc Kokaj |
April 24th
Alvechurch 2 St Peters Celtic 2 (H.T.0-2)
A determined second half display of skill and power gave Alvechurch a share of the points when all seemed lost at half time. Church opened brightly and it was against the run of play that Celtic took the lead after ten minutes with an unstoppable header.Celtic scored again ten minutes before the interval and it looked like there was no way back for Church.The second half saw a different approach to the game from Church and after some unrelenting pressure Luke James powerfully headed in a Ben Harris corner after ten minutes, Church kept the pressure up with both Ben Harris and Chris Parish hitting the post, with just five minutes to go John Sewell raced on to a crossfield ball and neatly curled a shot round the keeper for Church's equaliser.
Man of the Match:Sean Maddison |
April 25th
Alvechurch 3 Ford Juniors 2 (H.T. 1-1)
Alvechurch put up another gritty,determined display against a plucky Ford Juniors. Ford stunned Church with a well taken goal after just three minutes and they struggled to get any momentum until well past half way. Nathan Woodward pulled off a miraculous save after twenty minutes but slowly Church crept back into the game and just before half time John Sewell found himself with enough time and space to slot the equaliser home. Church came out firing on all cylinders in the second half and within ten minutes had effectively killed the game off. Ben Harris played a brilliant crossfield ball to John Sewell who controlled the ball took two strides and hit a sizzler into the top corner to put Church infront this was soon followed by an amazing solo run from Simon Rose who beat three defenders before placing his shot wide of the keeper. There could and should have been more goals after this but Ford defended well and scored with a penalty with the last kick of the game. Men of the Match:John Sewell and Simon Rose |
April 26th
Stratford United 2 Alvechurch 0 (H.T. 0-0)
Alvechurch 0 Stratford United 1 (H.T. 0-0)
A "double header" for both teams remaining fixture, Stratford just needing one point to aasure themselves of the League Title had to work all the way with both goals in the first game coming in the second half after Church had given them quite a fright in the first half with a couple of close shaves.
The second game saw a very leg weary Church battle all the way to get something out of the game but again it was a late second half goal that gave Stratford all the points.
Men of the Matches:David Lindsay and Ben Harris |
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