Josh March came off the bench to score a stoppage time winner for Alvechurch at Stratford Town.

Both sides came into the game looking for three points to boost their play-off places, as well as to end current bad runs with Stratford winless in two and Alvechurch on a three-game losing run.

It was also the fifth meeting between the side’s this season; with both side’s battling out four cup games this season producing two wins for Stratford, one win for Alvechurch and a draw. This familiarity showed as both teams cancelled each other out in a first half of little chances.
For the home side Will Grocott fired over and Nabil Shariff forced a save from Alvechurch goalkeeper Dan Crane. For the visitors meanwhile, Lee Chilton fired over the bar and Andre Landell was unable to make contact from a superb low Chilton cross.

The second half continued to be a very even affair with little chances. Tom Turton curled well wide of the goal, Shariff also fired wide from inside the box.

With the clock ticking down Ian Long's side looked to have blown their golden chance of winning the game. Chilton showed good skill in the box, but fired over the bar with two minutes remaining.

Luckily this miss did not prove crucial as a minute later Church took the lead and won the game. Good build-up play led to Josh Ezwele putting a low cross into the box and March was on hand to score his seventh goal of the season.

Manager Long described the win as 'fantastic' and praised the character of his players after their current sticky patch. He will be hoping his team can build on this win when they entertain local rivals Halesowen Town on Saturday.

Match Photos HERE