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Re: Alvechurch

Posted: 05 Dec 2018, 00:02
by DJ
Halesowen Town 1 Alvechurch 1

Halesowen came agonisingly close to recording a much-needed win against high-flying and impressive Alvechurch.

The Yeltz introduced new signings Joel Taylor and Harry Higginson from Kidderminster, Callam Mendez-Jones from Hednesford and returning Dan Sweeney from Solihull for the first league meeting between the teams since 1977.

The visitors started brightly as Mitch Botfield fired wide after playing a neat one-two with Josh March in the 3rd minute and Andre Lindell’s shot was well saved by Kieran Boucher three minutes later.

But the Yeltz took a 10th minute lead when Taylor played a lovely cross-field ball from the left of midfield for Lewis REILLY to collect and side-step his defenders before hitting a low shot past former Yeltz goalkeeper Paul Evans. Liam Truslove then went close twice by striking a 14th minute half-volley just wide and firing a 20-yard free-kick just over the bar in the 25th minute.

Tom Turton drove over the bar in the 29th minute and hit another rising drive just over the bar seconds later for the Church. The hosts then suffered a blow when defender Mendez-Jones limped out of the game with what looked like a hamstring problem late in the first half.

At the start of the second half, Boucher did well to smother the ball in a crowded area and Asa Charlton made another of his many superb blocking tackles. Hard-working Halesowen continued to get bodies where it mattered and did well to maintain their lead for much of the game over an Alvechurch side who failed to make the most of their chances and were often restricted to long range efforts.

Kyle Morrison stabbed just wide in the 56th minute, Boucher made a good save after 65 minutes and Turton curled over the bar after 68 minutes. In a rare home attack, Truslove drove wide from 25 yards after 78 minutes. But Alvechurch’s pressure kept coming and a long range 85th minute shot from March was beaten away for a corner by Boucher. March struck wide again in the 89th minute and Ash Carter played in a 90th minute ball for Landell to poke wide.

Just when it seemed three points were indeed heading Halesowen’s way, ‘Church finally found a deserved equaliser in the 2nd minute of added time when a long free-kick was knocked on in the penalty area for MARCH to thump home. The final kick of the match almost brought a winner but Josh Ezewele slipped after finding space in the Halesowen area.

Halesowen Town: Kieran Boucher; Ivor Lawton, Asa Charlton, Callam Mendez-Jones (Harry Higginson 42), Kieran Morris, Danny Bragoli (c), Callum Coyle, Liam Truslove (Jack Kelly 80), Dan Sweeney, Lewis Reilly, Joel Taylor. Subs Not Used: Joab Wheatley, Sam Tonks, Dominic Hill (GK).

Alvechurch: Paul Evans; Josh Ezewele, Zack Foster (Jamie Willets 83), Tom Turton, Kyle Morrison (c), Ash Carter, Dave Bellis, Mitch Botfield, Andre Landell, Luke Yates (Kieran Cook 80), Josh March. Subs Not Used: Ryan Winwood, Theo Llewellyn, Matt Sargeant (GK).

Referee: Steve Durnall Attendance: 406
Booked: Bragoli (37), Morris (56)
‘Tulleys Print’ HTFC Man of the Match selected by Fixed Wheel Brewery: Dan Sweeney

Re: Alvechurch

Posted: 05 Dec 2018, 07:57
by AwayDayYeltz
dalevillain wrote:
04 Dec 2018, 23:51
Special mention to our fans tonight in particular The Shed which was buzzing - great to see. Feel like the good olds days are coming back!
The more positive atmosphere off the pitch is instantly noticeable. As is the increase in attendance since Hill's departure - over 400 in attendance last night, compared with just 260 against Barwell in his last match. I hope the increase continues, it's certainly good to see some old faces, and I hope to see more in the coming weeks!

I do feel really optimistic about the future, and I really feel this club is starting to climb back up to where it should be, both on and off the field. I appreciate that will be a long and difficult process, though. Patience is required. But the first baby steps are positive.

Re: Alvechurch

Posted: 05 Dec 2018, 16:16
by Seamus
According to the Halesowen news, sadly Liam Truslove has a broken foot after last evening's game.

Re: Alvechurch

Posted: 05 Dec 2018, 17:56
by Westyeltz
KenR wrote:
04 Dec 2018, 23:16
Look Westy and the Brummie, united as collaborators, I think that the Pierce character should be charged with treason for being so irreverent and not displaying his GEORGE that you so cheaply and flippently bestowed upon him .
I knew it would rile him ;) Only surprise is it's took so long.

Re: Alvechurch

Posted: 05 Dec 2018, 20:19
by Scribbler
Totally agree with all other posts.... First half really good... Played with good tempo and desire...a big difference was the organisation and the team was more compact... And played a bit of football... New players all looked good.. But as the game went on.. Especially second half didn't have the same impact.. Fitness , lack of game time, settling in .?? Who knows, but a massive step in the right direction and something to work with... Good instruction from both new managers.. All positive looking forward to the next few games to see how it all unfolds... Good luck to all....

Re: Alvechurch

Posted: 05 Dec 2018, 20:27
by andy
Scribbler wrote:
05 Dec 2018, 20:19
Totally agree with all other posts.... First half really good... Played with good tempo and desire...a big difference was the organisation and the team was more compact... And played a bit of football... New players all looked good.. But as the game went on.. Especially second half didn't have the same impact.. Fitness , lack of game time, settling in .?? Who knows, but a massive step in the right direction and something to work with... Good instruction from both new managers.. All positive looking forward to the next few games to see how it all unfolds... Good luck to all....
Well scribbled.

Re: Alvechurch

Posted: 05 Dec 2018, 21:25
by JayTwiggy
Really enjoyed that. The atmosphere has completely changed! We’re in such a good place off the field at the moment, new owners, new managers, fans returning. I’m under no illusions how difficult a task it’ll be to turn the ship around but we have a solid foundation to move forward now and 6 months ago that seemed impossible.

Impressed with Alvechurch, good footballing side. Deserved their equaliser. I thought we played really well. Considering all the changes, we looked like a unit. Passed well when we got hold of the ball and defended really well. You felt the goal was coming but take nothing away from the lads, would have snapped your hand off for a point at the start of the game.

Glad to see Sweeney back if only for a short while. All the new lads impressed me. Really excited for the rest of the season to see how we grow, just hope we can get a settled side together and play some proper football.

Potentially a really exciting future ahead so going to enjoy this feeling for as long as possible!

To finish on a really disappointing note, I was devastated to find a pint is now £3.50. Brexit filtering through to non-league... ;D

Re: Alvechurch

Posted: 06 Dec 2018, 13:33
by AwayDayYeltz
Good post.

The Yeltz ale is a nice drop, though.