Church came into the game with a fairly large injury list; but put in a good performance to move up to sixth in the table, one point of the play-off places.
The first half was a very even affair, with both teams going close to opening the scoring through their centre-backs. First, Owen Wallis hit the post for the visitors with a header; before Kyle Morrison headed wide for Church.
However, Ian Long’s side soon took the lead when Botfield flicked Zack Fosters cross in the bottom corner. This game the home side confidence and they pushed for a second with Josh Ezwele going close and Josh March firing wide.
The second half started with Paul Evans denying George Bailey an equaliser before Church grabbed a hold of the game again. Botfield sliced a shot wide looking for his second goal of the game, before whipping in an excellent cross for Jamie Willets to head into the net for the home side’s second goal.
Immediately after this goal, Alvechurch nearly made it three, with an excellent move consisting of first-team passing and little flicks leading to Kieran Cook being denied by Samuel Wilson in the St Ives goal.
The visitors did eventually get a goal back in stoppage time. Bailey’s shot was brilliantly tipped onto the post by Evans, but Mark Coulson was on hand to put in the rebound.
The win was Church’s second league win in a row; and they will be looking to build on this momentum when they take on Stratford Town in the league cup on Tuesday, before travelling to Bedworth United next Saturday.
Alvechurch FC
