ALVECHURCH'S defence of the Worcestershire Senior Urn came to an end on Tuesday night as they lost to Midland Combination Premier side Littleton 1-0 in the semi-final.

The Churchmen fell behind to Jamie Clarke's early effort then then proceeded to miss a host of chances, with Connor Deards, Jamie Spencer, Jack Cresswell and returning hero Keith Rostill going close.

Manager Ross Thorpe said: "Since I have been at the club I have never experienced us have so much possession and more importantly so many chances and not score.

"We had 15 attempts on goal in the last 20 minutes and 24 in total - Littleton have had one, maybe two and have won the game."

On Saturday, they also paid the price for an injury to ‘keeper Tom Hemmings as they slipped to a 2-0 defeat to Boldmere St Michaels in the Midland Alliance on Saturday.

Hemmings had to come off after dislocating his shoulder and was replaced by midfielder Mark Bandurak.

Alvechurch’s replacement ‘keeper was caught out by a brace from Lee Osborne.

Manager Ross Thorpe said: “As soon as Tom was injured, Mark volunteered to play in goal.

“If we had a ‘keeper playing in goal, we would not have conceded those goals. But I am not criticising Mark, I was impressed by his attitude and desire to help us out.

“He was one of three of four players who volunteered, which was also pleasing.

“I don’t normally operate with two goalkeepers.

“You can have an established ‘keeper and an inexperienced player, but I think good 18 or 19 year olds should be playing regularly so we tend to operate with just one in the squad.

“It was disappointing to lose and not just because Boldmere were a former club, we felt it was a match we could win.”

The Lye Meadow’s busy run-in continues with a home clash against Kirby Muxloe on Saturday (3pm), a trip to Causeway United on Tuesday (7.45pm).

Meanwhile, Alvechurch’s reserve team take on Droitwich in the final of the Worcestershire Junior Cup final on Thursday, March 17, at Evesham United.

Church’s second string also finished top of Group A in the Challenge Urn on goal difference and will now face a trip to either Bolehall Swifts or Pelsall Villa in the semi-final.