Alvechurch ensured that they will be in the play-off places for Christmas, with Lee Chilton grabbing the winner on his debut for the club.

Chilton re-joined Alvechurch, who he played for ten years ago, from Sporting Khalsa this week and marked his return by getting on the end of an Andre Landell cross to secure an important three points on the road.

It was the perfect start for Alvechurch with Chilton’s goal coming in the first ten minutes. Royston did respond with James Potton forcing a save from Matthew Sargeant and Vance Bola firing over. Tom Turton then went close with a free-kick, before Chilton fired over having latched onto a stray back-pass as the half ended.

Royston came out strong in the second half but were unable to break through Alvechurch’s superb defence marshalled by Ash Carter and Kyle Morrison. Josh Castiglione curled wide from range and Bola fired over again.

Church though took control of the game and had a number of chances to double their lead; with Chilton, Rahis Nabi, and Tristian Dunkley all being denied by Joe Welch in the Royston goal. These missed chances did not matter however, as Church secured a deserved three points.
That win means Ian Long’s side are unbeaten in four games now and they will be looking to extend that when they take on local rivals Redditch United on boxing day.