Alvechurch 3-3 Evesham United

Alvechurch let a two goal lead slip as they ended their pre-season with an entertaining draw with Evesham United.

Despite the result, Darren Byfield's side produced a good performance playing nice football and creating a number of chances. They had two early on with Dean Fisher firing over the bar and new signing Ryan Nesbitt forcing an easy save from Reece Francis.

Evesham themselves played good football and hit back with Kai Tonge firing over from a tight angle; before Alvechurch took the lead in bizarre fashion. Good pressing led to Evesham midfielder Joe O'Neil playing the ball back to Francis. However, O'Neil overhit the pass and it beat Francis to roll into the net.

This gave Alvechurch a boost and they doubled their lead two minutes later. Kevin Monteiro did well to win the ball back and released John Atherton whose low cross found Nesbitt who finished well through Francis's legs. Church were flying and looked to extend their lead with Atherton firing over and Francis denying Jordan Smith-Williams.

Church then suffered two lapse in concentration which led to them sacrificing their lead at half-time. Firstly, they failed to deal with a corner allowing Ryan Paddock to score. They then gave the ball away which led to Jordan Sangha scoring a great goal from the edge of the box; after good work from former Church man Lee Chilton.

In the second half Jack Cresswell tested Llyod Ransome with a long-range effort while Atherton and Botfield were both denied by Francis. Byfield's side then created a number of chances without scoring. First Nesbitt fired wide after a good passing move, then repeated it a few moments later albeit from the edge of the box. Kyle Morrison then fired over from a corner before Danico Johnson saw his strike brilliantly cleared off the line by Brad Maslen-Jones.

Evesham responded with Tonge firing wide and substitute Dave Reynolds firing straight at Ransome. Reynolds would not be denied ten minutes later however, firing into the bottom corner from range to complete the visitors comeback.

Alvechurch did manage to earn a draw though thanks to Taylor Morrison. A clever free-kick saw Johnson lay the ball off to the full-back and he superbly fired in from 25-yards out to cap off an entertaining game.

With pre-season now concluded Church can begin their preparations for their league opener away to Royston Town.