Keeper thwarts the young guns (From Redditch Advertiser)

Keeper thwarts the young guns

8:00pm Wednesday 24th October 2012 in Sport

ALVECHURCH boss Dean Holtham admitted his young players were frustrated after the heroics of Heather St John’s keeper Peter Maguire.

The Churchmen had to settle for a 0-0 draw at Lye Meadow, despite peppering the opposition goal.

But Maguire was in inspired form and pulled off a string of saves.

Holtham said: “We created lots of chances to score but almost every shot we had, whether we put it in the corner or shot it at him, the keeper saved.

“It’s a lesson to be learned about taking chances and all the players were disappointed with the result.”

Alvechurch, who entertained Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division side Leamington in the Birmingham Senior Cup last night, face another tough test in the Midland Alliance when they take on fourth-placed Loughborough University on Saturday (3pm ko).

But they have a number of injury problems with captain Gary Ray (hamstring), Joe Wright and Craig Gill in danger of being absent.

It is hoped Jamie Spencer and Keiron Jones, who has been out with an ankle injury for a month, might be back for the weekend clash.

Despite his squad starting to pick up injuries, Holtham was keeping calm.

He said: “We’ve got a few knocks but it’s one of those things. We will see who we’ve got available.”

Holtham also believes the supporters are starting to buy into the new regime’s plans.

He took over as manager six weeks ago as part of Alvechurch’s tie-up with Birmingham City’s development scheme.

That has seen a host of former players move on and an injection of young talent brought in.

The manager added: “I think the fans are enjoying the football. I speak to them after the game and many have been supporting the club for four decades and I think they deserve a medal the size of a dustbin lid for that.

“When we first came in there were one or two complaints, but overall I think they can see what we’re trying to do and back the lads.”