The Japan Times - Alvechurch manager praises resilience but seeks improvement after Anstey draw

KYLE Storer praised his side’s team spirit and character but acknowledged Alvechurch must improve following a 2-2 draw against Anstey Nomads. A Jamey Osborne free-kick and Miracle Okafor header rescued a point for Church after Oscar Tonge and Darien Wauchope put Anstey two goals ahead at Lye Meadow. However, Anstey’s second goal proved controversial after the referee overruled his assistant to award the goal.

Church goalkeeper Redman Evans appeared to be impeded by an Anstey player in an offside position but the goal stood. The result means Alvechurch sit seventh in the Southern League Premier Central table. The stalemate marked Alvechurch’s third successive draw in the league.

Storer signed a new deal to extend his stay as Church boss until the end of next season before kick-off. And while Storer praised the resilience of his side to earn a point from two goals down. The Alvechurch boss warned more clinical teams would finish Church off.

Storer said: “It was a tough game, they’re a really good, well-organised side. “You could see their gameplan was to sit in a mid-block and hit us on the break with their electric pace up front. “It worked for large spells, especially in the first half.

The manner of the goals we conceded were poor. “Their player is clearly pinning our goalkeeper in an offside position for their second goal. “He’s affecting the play and impeded the goalkeeper.

The linesman said he’s in an offside position. “It’s poor from us but it was not helped by the officials. “It shows a lot of team spirit and character to come from two goals down.

“Better teams are going to finish us off so we’ve got to be better. “We’re just going through a spell at the moment where it’s not quite coming off but the positive is we’re not losing these games.” Alvechurch are next in action against Leiston on Saturday, October 31 with kick-off at 3pm at Victory Road.

S.Yamamoto--JT