Report submitted by Alcester FC

Alcester travelled to Division Two side Earlswood Town in the Les James Challenge Cup on Saturday, with the side looking to cause an upset after an inconsistent start to the season.

Manager Danny Janes was without defenders Kieran Donnelly and Kyle Xavier who were both injured, whilst team mates James Cund and Wil Beach were unavailable.

Promising young talent Luke Williams was given his first start of the season, Alfie Bloomer was also re-called to the starting line-up.

Alcester started the game positively, creating space and looking to move the ball around the pitch.

However, it was Earlswood who took an early lead when they broke down the left hand side, their player struck the ball into the bottom corner with goalkeeper Jack Turner unsighted.

Alcester responded well and continued to play their football, Lewis Fathers started to dictate the game as Alcester began to create chances.

Midfielder Lewis Marston attacked the ball bravely at the back post but some excellent defending stopped him from scoring.

Some good link up play saw Bloomer collect the ball on the edge of the box, but the home goalkeeper pushed the ball away comfortably.

Alcester eventually found the breakthrough when Jimmy Ward pulled the ball back for Ellis Kalach who calmly slotted the equaliser.

Alcester began the second half the way they ended the first, moving the ball and looking to play through the midfielders.

They were rewarded from their good play when an excellent run from Daniel Mumford opened up the Earlswood defence, he picked out Kalach who scored his second of the game.

The game then opened up with both teams pushing for a goal, the quality of the game dropped as both teams struggled to keep the ball.

It was Alcester who found that all important goal, a superb through ball from substitute Joe Bevan found fellow substitute Sam Bennett, Bennett found the bottom corner to all but finish the game.

Manager Danny Janes was delighted with his side’s result and performance – “It is obviously very pleasing to beat a side in the division above us, but it was the performance that really pleased me.

"I thought we were excellent in the first half, the football we played was top class – players relaxed on the ball and recognised when to keep possession, we played through our midfield and caused all sorts of problems.

"We also varied our play and stretched their defence because they played quite a high line, it was really pleasing to watch.”

Janes also highlighted the individual performances of his players – “We played very well as a team, but individually all of the players had a good game, which underpinned the collective performance.

"We have made an inconsistent start to the season with too many players producing average performances.

"Everyone performed which was why we were so good, the defence played the ball out and they provided us with the platform to play. Lewis Fathers was instrumental, he is getting sharper and the best is still to come from him.

"Luke Williams was Man of the Match, he was absolutely superb. He played exactly the way I want players to play, he played the first pass he seen and kept the ball for us.

"I am really pleased for him because he has been patient and his attitude is fantastic, he has earnt his place in the side and it is his to keep now.”

Janes was quick to point out that his side need to be consistent and that there is more to come from his players – “We were very good on Saturday, but I still expect more.

"I think very highly of each player within this squad, I know each player can still produce more quality – I have very high standards for each player.

"We must go and produce a similar performance next Saturday, we have made a poor start in the league and we need to start picking up points.”