ALVECHURCH 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 Lee Osborne's brace.

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

"If we had had a keeper playing in goal we would not have conceded those goals but I am not criticising Mark, I was impressed by 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."

Hemmings was set to miss last night's Worcestershire Senior Urn semi-final against Littleton as he recovers, with Lewis Gwilliams, who was still registered, drafted in.

Keeper Sam Brady had already returned to Stratford Town.

Alvechurch have several injuries, with Bandurak and Chris Hughes carrying knocks.

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

Last week, Alvechurch had defeated Shepshed Dynamo 1-0, with the in-form Jamie Spencer bagging his fourth goal in as many matches.

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