Church were clearly in top in the first half, and deserved to be more than the single goal ahead at the break. Having negotiated a bright start from the visitors in the opening quarter hour, Church dominated. There had been an early scare for Church when St Ives cleverly play the ball through the Church defensive line, and Hart finished the move with a curling effort across the face of the goal, with Dobson inches away from applying a decisive touch at the far post.

The opening goal came after some typical slick play from Church. Sullivan tracks into the box, looking for an opportunity to deliver a decisive pass, which never comes, but Ilesanmi intervenes as the ball becomes momentarily free, and quick feet and a creative finish sees the Church forward despatch the ball into the back of the net from eight yards.

Church continue to apply pressure to the wound, looking for a second. On 33 minutes Powell delivers a free kick from a central position on target, but the low and powerful effort is well anticipated by keeper Taylor and he is well positioned to deal with the effort.

The first half ends with incessant pressure from Church, which yields a succession of corners, with the home side being first to react when the ball is cleared to keep the initiative. But the visiting defence, with all hands to the pump, holds out to deflect any further damage.

The second half belonged to the visitors, and in that period of the game, their equaliser was the least they deserved and a share of the points was possibly a reasonable outcome for both sides.

An early chance for Church sees Willis try his luck from 25 yards just four minutes in, but it is not far over.
And then three minutes later Ilesanmi flicks the ball on for Powell, but his first time effort to lift the ball over the advancing keeper falls short, and Taylor gathers.

Church then proceed to lose their way somewhat, with the visitors making changes that have a significant impact as the half wore on, compounded by the home side looking decidedly more sluggish.
It pays off for St Ives on 64 minutes when the visitors smartly move the ball up the centre of the pitch, playing through and around the Church defensive lines with quick thinking and one touch passes, leaving Dobson with the fairly straightforward chance to beat the stranded Evans from the edge of the box.

There is concern that the visitors might go on to win the game, but Church hold on, despite not making much of an impact themselves at the other end.

Deep in stoppage time a rare forward foray from Church finally yields dividends as Medrano does well to get round the right back and to the by-line, cutting the ball dangerously into the heart of the St Ives box. The ball finds Obadeyi unmarked, but he screws his first time effort high over the bar in the final chance of the game.

In context, the point is a positive one as it keeps Church five points clear of their opponents, and six points clear of Stamford who occupy the last relegation position after their loss against Stratford, although they do still retain a game in hand. Also in the mix are Bromsgrove, who lie for points in deficit to Church.

Barwell are Church’s Good Friday opponents, and a victory for the Lye Meadow side could potentially open up a ten point gap.