Report

It was a day to forget as Hayes were comprehensively beaten by a revitalised Alvechurch side enjoying a good run after spending most of the season in the lower reaches of The Midland Alliance.   Hayes started the game brightly and had an early penalty claim denied them when Karl Wallis was brought down in front of a gaping goal. From this point on the home side began to control the game and they dominated the mid field resultingin the normally lethal Hayes strike force seeing little of the ball. However Hayes resticted them to only one worthwhile first half effort, Tom McNulty brilliantly saving a point blank effort from Andy Nicol, to go into the break all square.   On the resumption Hayes had the best chance of the game when the ball fell kindly at the feet of Wallis but with plenty of time he hurried his effort and the ball sailed over the bar.   On 50 minutes Church took the lead when Nicol was allowed to much room on the left flank and his excellent cross was headed home powerfully by their new signing Joe Wright.   In an effort to add more bite to their play Hayes introduced Andy McMath in place of Chris Geldart but they still strugled to make any impression on a resolute home defence.   Church got a second goal on 75 minutes when Wright out sprinted the leaden looking Hayes rearguard to give his side a deserved victory.    Without doubt it was Heath Hayes worst performance for some time and serious problems need to be addressed before Tuesdays JW Hunt fixture away at AFC Wulfrunians or the season,which at times promised so much, will come to a deary conclusion.