Alvechurch 1-4 Leamington

Former Alvechurch forward Josh March scored a hat-trick and set up another as Leamington defeated Alvechurch, albeit by a flattering score line.

It was the second home defeat of the pre-season friendlies for Darren Byfield's side; and mirrored their defeat to West Bromwich Albion's U23's a week ago; with the team putting in a good performance before a late collapse.

It took Leamington just 12 minutes to take the lead. March lost his marker and headed in from a corner with his first chance of the game. Alvechurch levelled soon after however. Danico Johnson's free-kick found Jamie Willets and his header back across goal found Kyle Morrison who claimed his second goal in as many games.

Both side's then demonstrated good football but could only create half chances. March forced an easy save from Alvechurch keeper Llyod Ransome, while Kyle Rowley headed wide from a free-kick and Taylor Morrison saw a snap-shot go wide.

In the second-half Leamington defender Jack Edwards headed over from a free-kick; while Javia Roberts saw a weak header easily saved by Tony Breedon. The visitors did re-take the lead again however, through March. A good one two allowed Connor Gudger to find space and his pull-back was finished well by March into the bottom corner.

Church continued to impress though. Roberts saw a volley saved by Breedon after a good knock-down by Johnson; while Dean Fisher also forced a save from the goalkeeper. Going into the last ten minutes; Leamington became ruthless.

Church sub keeper Bobby Biddle came out to intercept a long-ball and ended up getting caught out of his goal with March rounding him before brilliantly chipping it into the net from 20 yards. March then squared to a Leamington trialist and he sealed the win with a smart finish.

The defeat again proves a valuable one for Darren Byfield and his squad ahead of the new season and they are back in action on Tuesday night against Heather St Johns.