ALVECHURCH ended a testing week on a positive note as they saw off Kirby Muxloe 2-0 in the Midland Alliance on Saturday.

Goals for Jack Cresswell, who was also sent off, and Chris Hughes ensured the Churchmen bounced back from last Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat to Littleton in the Worcestershire Senior Urn semi-final.

It was the perfect way to end a week dominated by departures at Lye Meadow.

Coach Justin Fowkes has left the club after Alvechurch suffered a setback in finding funding for their intended under-18s youth team.

They have been forced to postpone their plans to field a team in the Midlands Youth Floodlit League because the decision on any potential funding would not come until after the deadline to register in the competition.

Fowkes, who had been helping out with the first, had been set to look after the under-18s, which would act as a link between the club’s junior teams and the senior side.

Manager Ross Thorpe said: “Justin has done really well since he joined seven weeks ago. He was going to look after our under-18s but when we could not get the money guaranteed in time we didn’t want to risk spending money the club does not have.

“I’ve already got one or two people in mind as part of my back room staff for the senior team, so it was just one of those things.

“I have no problem with Justin, he’s did well while he was here and we wish him the best of luck.”

Thorpe will work with goalkeeper Tony Workman and physio Paul Millward until the end of the season.

Striker Jamie Spencer has been recalled by parent club Rushall Olympic, after Dele Adebola picked up an injury.

Jack Wilson is set to join Bromsgrove Sporting, while Ryan Ward has left to find regular football.

With 11 games of the season left and Alvechurch playing two matches a week until then, Thorpe will be hoping to strengthen his squad this week.

Meanwhile, he admitted his disappointment at last week’s 1-0 loss to Midland Combination Premier Littleton in the Urn as the holders crashed out.

Alvechurch had dominated the game and created a host of chances but Jamie Clarke’s early strike was the difference.

“We had a load of chances, hit the woodwork on numerous occasions but there are no excuses.

“We should have done better.” Alvechurch, who were set to go to Causeway United last night, entertain Walsall Wood on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

They then host Tipton next Tuesday (7.45pm kick-off).