Village Sport


Third trophy for AfC N


Alvechurch FC wrap up their season in the best possible way.


ot content with the league and cup double, Alvechurch FC completed their season by


scooping the JW Hunt Cup to wrap up a historic “treble”. Taking place at Molineux, the


match against Wednesfield was an end-to-end encounter, punctuated by moments of class from ’Church in front of goal. Wednesfield were well worth their lead in the first half, having already threatened to punish a rather leggy- looking Alvechurch defence before actually doing so on 21 minutes. The goal seemed to spur ’Church into ac- tion, and a great run from man of the match Ryan Edmunds saw him beat three men before calling on the op- posing ’keeper to save low to his left. Pressure was mounting, and with


two minutes of the half remaining a moment of instinctive brilliance brought ’Church level. Great work on the left from Michael Wardle, and Josh March stretched to connect and send the ball soaring high into the top right-hand corner. The second half was dominated


by AFC, who stamped their author- ity on the game, getting stronger as time ticked on. On 62 minutes, March lashed the ball into the net from just outside the box. This set up a frantic few minutes ending with Edmunds being tripped in the Wednesfield box – and Jamie Ashmore calmly dispatched the spot kick to register a 3-1 scoreline. The icing on the cake came in the 88th minute when a delicious through ball from Sauane released Edmunds through on goal, and he dinked the ball over Whitehouse to make the final score 4-1.


l After such a great season, Alvechurch did well at the annual Midland Football League awards: Josh March won Top Scorer; Ian Long


Action from the JW Hunt Cup final. Photos/ Steve Evans


was named Manager of the Year, and James Douglas U21 Player of the Year. AFC also held their own awards, with Josh March winning Golden Boot and Manager’s Player, and Paul Evans named Supporters’ Player and Players’ Player. Reece Shilvock got Goal of the Season, Neil Tomlin was Clubman of the Year, Chairman’s Player was Ryan Winwood, and Young Player was Brogan Halpin.


l The following players have com- mitted to stay at the club: goalkeeper Paul Evans; defenders Jamie Ashmore, Andy Parsons, Brogan Halpin, Jamie Willetts and Zac Foster; midfielders Tommy Turton, Ryan Winwood, Reece Shilvock, Jack Cresswell and Dave Bellis; and forwards Danny Dubidat and Connor Deards. Golden Boot winner Josh March has also signed a one-year contract, fending off interest from higher-ranked clubs as Alvechurch prepare for life in the Northern League. Ian Long has signed winger Javia


Roberts from AFC Hickley. Javia has had plenty of non-league experi- ence and has also played at youth


and under-23 level for the Jamaican national team. Prolific goal scorer Luke Keen has also joined ’Church, alongside 17-year old forward Luke Yates from Wednes- field, whose pace and skills impressed the management team in the JW Hunt cup final. However, Alvechurch captain and


stalwart Mark Smith has decided to leave Lye Meadow, alongside striker Karl Edwards.


l For more info or sponsorship en- quiries, please contact Trevor Ball at saintsarehot2@btinternet.com or visit www.pitchero.com/clubs/alvechurch


FIXTURES Pre-season friendlies


Sat July 15


Wed July 12 Tipton Town (A) Hereford Lads FC (A)


Tue July 18 Bromsgrove Sporting (H) Sat July 22 Paget Rangers FC (A) Tues July 25 Stratford Town (H) Sat July 29 Stourbridge (H)


Tue Aug 1 Highgate United (A) Sat Aug 5 Redditch United (H) Season Starts Saturday August 12


The Village July 2017 55


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