ALVECHURCH found title-chasing Lye too hot to handle as they went down 4-0 in the Midlands Premier on Saturday.

A hat-trick for Ricky Anslow and one for Ben Jeavons shot down a youthful Church team.

Manager Lee Knight said: "Lye are one of the best teams in the division. They have a very settled and experienced side with a sprinkling of younger guys.

"I look at our team and the average age is about 20.

"We only trailed 1-0 at half-time and I said to the lads keep it tight and keep them out as long as possible but we conceded the softest penalty possible.

"After that we were chasing the game and Lye took advantage.

"We have a lot of gifted young guys at the club who I am sure will be playing at a higher lever in a few years time.

"But you get inconsistency with younger guys, some games they are very good and other games they aren't.

"The first goal in a game is important, if we score first we'll believe we can win it."

With influential midfielder Michael McGrath set to be away for a month for personal reasons, Alvechurch have drafted in midfielder Craig Thomas from Highgate United.

Meanwhile, Knight has also brought in Sutton Coldfield under-21 player Reis Woolley and Anton Astley, who was previously at Atherstone.

The Lye Meadow outfit, who played Coleshill Town at home on Tuesday night, go to sixth-placed Walsall Wood on Saturday (3pm ko).