HIGH-FLYING Redditch United return to the Valley Stadium for a home double after going down 2-1 at Needham Market.
Mike Fowler's play-off hopefuls host Bury Town in Southern League Premier Division Central on Saturday (3pm) and then welcome Sutton Coldfield Town in the Birmingham FA Senior Cup next Monday (7.45pm).
Last Saturday's defeat at Needham Market ended a run of four straight league wins for the Reds and, despite a battling performance, the saves of loan keeper Ty Warmington prevented more damage.
Midfielder Robbie Bunn levelled the scores at the break but the Suffolk hosts earned three points in their bid for a quick return to National League North.
Manager Fowler, meanwhile, has swooped to sign 18-year-old midfielder Billy Fielding to a contract for the rest of the season.
Fielding is the club’s first football and education student to sign a contract with the first team. He is on their HND (Higher National Diploma) course in partnership with HoW College where he trains and plays full-time within the programme while studying a university-level degree.
Fowler said: “I'm absolutely delighted for Billy to get his reward of signing a new contract.
"It’s fully deserved as he’s been immense all season with fantastic performances and has shown maturity beyond his years.
"We’re really excited to see what he can achieve over the next couple of seasons.
"I’ve worked with Billy for a long time and know him really well.
"I’ve always known he’s had this potential but to see him realise it at 18 at step three is phenomenal so it’s fantastic news for everyone.”
Meanwhile, Alvechurch deserved more from a 1-0 defeat at title-chasing Harborough Town in Premier Division Central last Saturday after a late goal.
Church entertain Real Bedford in the FA Trophy second round on Saturday (3pm) and then visit Halesowen Town next Tuesday (7.45pm) looking to get their league campaign back on track.
At Harborough the goal came in frustrating fashion 10 minutes from time after the referee overruled his assistant when awarding a throw in the away defensive third.
The long throw led to a chaotic few seconds during which Redman Evans kept the ball out with two saves, a third was blocked and a fourth eventually found its way in from Alex Morris despite a valiant effort from the keeper.
As early as the 10th minute Kieran Wakefield was denied by home keeper Elliott Taylor.
Loan forward Szhem Whyte-Hall went close with several headers and then forced three Taylor saves in the second period.
The lively Jonathan Ngandu had an effort deflected wide and Wakefield also threatened.
But that's now five games without a goal for Church.
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