ALVECHURCH FC need other results to go their way if they are to secure a play-off spot after they were beaten 2-1 away at league champions Banbury United on Easter Monday.
Church gave a good account of themselves against the runaway champions and took the lead on 35 minutes when skipper Jamie Willets headed in from 12-yards out from Nick Clayton-Phillips’ corner.
And Alvechurch were unlucky not to double their lead when Danny Waldron’s downward header seemed destined for the net only for Banbury goalkeeper Jack Harding to make an outstanding reflex save low down to his right.
The game swung in Banbury’s favour in the second period when Church keeper Leon Phillips was adjudged to have fouled a home forward as he went to clear the ball and injured himself in the process.
However, after lengthy treatment, Phillips was forced to continue in goal with no replacement keeper available as Jack Stevens duly converted the resulting penalty on 52 minutes.
And Banbury snatched the points on 75 minutes when Chris Wreh bundled the ball home despite protests from the Church bench and players.
That came after a 2-0 win against Lowestoft Town last weekend in which Waldron and Zak Brown both scored in the first half to secure the points.
The results leave Alvechurch sixth in the Southern League Premier Central table and need AFC Rushden and Diamonds to lose on the final day to clinch the final play-off spot.
Alvechurch finish their season with a home match against Royston Town on Saturday, April 23 with kick-off at 3pm at Lye Meadow.
