With one of the best defensive records in the Pitching In Southern League Premier Central, Alvechurch can boast that not one but two of their goalkeepers have received international call-ups this week.
Hot on the heels of Dale Eve’s inclusion in the Bermuda squad for their Concacaf Gold Cup Prelims clash with Honduras next Friday, the emerging Ronnie Hollingshead has been included in the Wales U21 squad for their forthcoming friendlies against Andorra and Sweden.
It’s music to the ears of manager, Tim Flowers, who knows a thing or two about goalkeeping having won the FA Premier League and earned England caps during his playing days between the posts.
Whilst Flowers focuses on the task of managing the team, he leaves the goalkeepers in the capable and safe hands of goalkeeping coach, Neil Reeves, who, just like the Gaffer, is bursting with pride.
“As a goalkeeping coach you are always proud to see them playing well and keeping clean sheets,” Reeves told us. “But to have both of our ‘keepers called up to represent their country is very special and I am very proud to have played a part in their journey.
“Both of them work hard and push each other to the limit; they are a joy to work with and have so much talent and ability. Their character off the field couldn’t be more different, though, and if Dale was any more laid back, he would fall over!
“I’ve always said that I don’t want a ‘number two’ ‘keeper to just come along for the ride; you need strong competition and we have that here. It certainly helps having a Gaffer who understands more than most what it takes to be successful in this position.
“Obviously only one of them can play and at the moment it’s Ronnie, but when called upon I have every faith in Dale to do a solid job, as he has done this season.
“I must say that the standard of goalkeeping across the division as a whole has been very high this year compared to previous seasons.
“There are ‘keepers who have dropped down from higher levels, young ‘keepers on loan from professional clubs and ‘keepers who have a lot of experience at this level, so a good mix, which I have studied closely.
“Attention to detail is so important, both amongst our own goalkeepers and knowing what the opposition has.
“My goalkeeping philosophy is simple – keep the ball from crossing the line by whatever part of the body.
“As our defensive record shows, 33 goals conceded in 32 League games, we have been successful in doing that this season.”
Successive derby day victories over Bromsgrove Sporting and Redditch United in their last two outings have left Church just outside the top ten.
“We’re in a good place at the moment,” Reeves continued. “Our recent performances have been good, even in the games we lost against Bedford and Kettering, two top sides, we should have got something.
“We’ve probably given ourselves too much to do to get into the top five, if we’re being totally honest, although that said, the season is far from over yet, but we've certainly made progress and given ourselves an extremely solid base from which to build.”
A trip to Stamford awaits on Saturday.
IMAGE: Alvechurch FC
Most clubs are looking for volunteers. Find out more on the button below:
www.PitchingInVolunteers.co.ukAll the news and results in one place.
REGISTER