JOSH Dugmore scored a stunning winner on his return from injury as Alvechurch edged out Redditch United 1-0 in a local derby.
Dugmore marked his return from a near nine-month injury by smashing home a sensational winner on 77 minutes at Lye Meadow.
And the result means Church sit 12th in the Southern League Premier Central with Redditch five places further back in 17th just five points above the relegation zone.
The game’s decisive moment came on 77 minutes as Dugmore lashed a stunning shot into the top left corner of the goal from the edge of the penalty area.
Dugmore came off the bench just five minutes before scoring the game’s only goal.
And Church boss Tim Flowers praised the quality of Dugmore’s strike following his long battle with injury.
Flowers said: “Only something like that [Dugmore’s goal] was going to settle it, it was an absolute war of attrition.
“The actual strike that wins the game is an absolute worldie, I don’t think anyone is saving that, it’s a wonderful strike.
“I’m so pleased for the kid because he’s had a tortuous time with injury.
“Finally, he gets his little chance and he goes and does that.”
Alvechurch host local rivals Bromsgrove Sporting on Tuesday, March 11 with kick-off at 7.45pm at Lye Meadow
