AGE proved no barrier as Alvechurch’s youngsters opened their Midland Alliance campaign with a 3-2 success over Rocester.

Church boss Dean Holtham fielded a side which included three 17-year-olds and a defensive back four where the eldest player was just 19.

Omari Sterling-James fired the church into a first half lead, before Rocester hit back after the break to go 2-1 in front.

Karl Fellows, a veteran at 27, levelled from the penalty spot after Sterling-James had been brought down before Joe Wright walloped home the winner.

Holtham said: “I don’t expect the side to change a great deal this season. We’ve no money and no budget to bring in experienced players.

“But the club is in a much better place than it was this time last season.

“We’ve come a long way in such a short time, but we are steadily turning Alvechurch into a community club.”

A 2-0 win at Coleshill also made sure the Church have a 100 per cent record and level on points with Tividale, Quorn and Old Wulfrunians.

The Church travel to Loughborough University this Saturday and then host Stourport Swifts at Lye Meadow the following Tuesday.