Alvechurch won the Worcester Senior Cup for the first time in 41 years, as they defeated rivals Redditch United.

Church last lifted the trophy in 1977, but a brace from Josh March and a penalty from Tom Turton sealed an impressive win over a Redditch side they will compete with in league action this season.

As has been the case with most the pre-seasons games this season, manager Ian Long again made sweeping changes from the side which played Bromsgrove on Tuesday; due to freshness as well as a few injuries hitting the squad. Despite this changes his side dominated the play, keeping the ball and creating chances from the get go.

Kieran Cook was played in by March, but saw his shot saved by Louis Connor; before rounding Connor but having his shot cleared of the line by Louis Ezewele minutes later.

An Alvechurch corner then lead to the ball being pinballed around the box, before Connor tipped a wayward ball just wide of his post. Redditch had no answer to Church's play; trying to play on the counter but not being able to get past Jamie Willets and Andy Parsons, and eventually fell behind.

Cook picked up the ball on the left side of the field and played a superb cross field ball to March, who raced clear and slotted home to give Alvechurch the lead. Long's side then nearly doubled their lead but Mitch Botfield's shot from the edge of the box went just wide.

Despite Alvechurch's dominance however, Redditch equalised just before half-time. Declan Benjamin showed good skill to beat his man before firing in a low shot from the edge of the box past Charlie Price.

The second half started with Alvechurch controlling the ball, but not being able to create any meaningful chances. This lead to Redditch nearly taking the lead, but Jaydan Maccalla's low-come-cross drifted just wide of the post. This miss proved crucial as Alvechurch then regained the lead.

Making smart use of an advantage call, Turton found Zach Foster whose low cross into the box found March who slotted home his second goal of the game. March was again involved in the third goal, capitalising on a mistake from Redditch defender Thomas Fishwick who then brought him down in the box.

Turton, who scored a hat-trick on penalties in the semi-final win over Kidderminister, made no mistake again from the spot to give the Church some breathing space.

Despite this, Redditch did nearly get back into it with Leam Howaros being played through on goal, but he was denied by Charlie Price. Alvechurch then saw out the rest of the game, ensuring a impressive and comfortable victory.

Long and his assistant Richard Colwell can take a lot from the game, with it being the first step 3 team Alvechurch have faced in pre-season so far. They play again on Saturday, having two games. The first is away to Highgate United, kicking off at midday, and the second being at home to Hednesford Town kicking off at 3pm.