ALVECHURCH'S DAVE BELLIS writes about his team's 0-2 success @ Highgate...

"After a fairly lack-lustre performance away to Coventry Sphinx on Saturday, I felt it was very important we improved. It is always a tough game against Highgate and this game was no different. 

For the first 45 minutes, the game was closely fought, with neither side particularly getting the ball down and playing much football. We created a couple of half-chances, and the Highgate keeper pulled out a fantastic save from a Nick Wright header, which somehow didn’t end up in the back of the net. Other than that, I felt both teams worked hard, but didn’t show that bit of quality to separate us.

The half-time team talk was centred around relaxing on the ball. The work rate and desire was present in the first half, but it was only really Ryan Winwood who looked particularly composed on the ball. 

As a side, we pride ourselves on our fitness levels, and second half this really showed. Much of the half was played around Highgate’s 18-yard box, and a combination of Jordan Nadat’s threatening runs and James Spray being given time to turn on the ball, I was confident we would find the breakthrough.

It took a corner on the 75th minute to put us in front, where again a Nick Wright header was somehow kept out by the keeper, but Jordan was first to react and turn it into the net. This was quickly followed by Banger’s (Karl Edwards) goal, where he was once again quickest to react to a rebounded shot. Huge credit should go to Banger, as he keeps scoring important goals while not playing as much football as he would like.

In what was a very good team performance, I felt the stand out performers were Ryan Winwood and Jordan Nadat. Jord looked a threat all game and Ryan constantly dictated the play. I also thought the defence was solid, which has been a feature for most of the season. 

We have an even tougher game on Thursday, which I know we are all looking forward to, but there’s a lot of football left to play this season..."

DAVE BELLIS, skipper & midfielder, Alvechurch FC...

He's there somewhere...