Alvechurch's first game at step 3 level in over forty years ended with a battling draw against Royston Town.

In a physical game, Ian Long's side showed good organisation and matched their opponent's well for a deserved opening day point; but nearly took all three thanks to a superb late effort from Aaron Llyod.

The games started off how it meant to go on, with the ball being competed heavily in midfield and both sides only being able to create half-chances; which saw Tom Turton fire a free-kick wide and Royston players James Potton and Bradley Bell fire off target.

In fact the first real chance didn't come until near the end of the first half, when Llyod's header from a Josh Ezewele cross hit the bar. Immediately after this the visitors hit Church on a counter attack, which required a brilliant last ditch tackle from Mitch Botfield to deny Martell Powell a goal.

The second half followed the same pattern of the first, although both sides did threaten more in an attacking sense. Church keeper Charlie Price was on hand to deny Bell, before Royston forward Adam Murray had a goal ruled out for offside. Long's side though got a hold of the game as it went on and were denied a strong penalty appeal when Josh March went down in the box; before Kieran Cook fired wide.

The score-line set up a nervy ending but it was nearly the dream one for Alvechurch, as the ball fell to Llyod on the edge of the box; but his volley flew just wide of the post.

Despite this a draw was a fair result, and Alvechurch were good value for their point. They face tough opposition on Tuesday against recently relegated Tamworth, but will go into the game full of confidence.

Match Photos HERE