Alvechurch vs Worcester

A battling display and a stunning third-quarter performance by City keeper Christian Carter couldn't prevent a 6-2 defeat at Alvechurch.

On a spring-like morning, City didn't heed an early scare when their hosts hit the bar and fell behind when a shot was blocked and fell kindly to an Alvechurch player whose effort could only be parried by Carter into the net.

However the visitors responded well and equalised when some good midfield play set up Harry Rebbeck on the right, who advanced at pace and slotted home.

Alvechurch took a 2-1 first quarter lead in controversial circumstances when Carter looked to have been fouled at a corner but a goal was given with both him and the ball in the net.

City slipped 3-1 behind at the start of the second quarter but hit back as debutant Nathan Wood saw his effort cleared off the line. Soon after right back Callum Morris cleverly skipped through several challenges to feed Tom Parry on the right wing and his low cross was tucked away by Ed Bowers to reduce the deficit.

Quarter three saw Alvechurch start on the ascendency and they earned a penalty when Carter felled an onrushing player. The keeper quickly redeemed himself though when he pulled off a fantastic save low to his right.

He followed this up with a wonder save from a header and then a stunning double block to repel Alvechurch again, who were exerting a lot of pressure from corners and excellent deliveries into the box.

After gallantly holding firm, the home side grabbed their fourth goal with a spectacular shot from distance at the beginning of the final quarter.

City gambled to get back in the game but conceded two more - the first from a header after another good cross into the box and the final one somewhat unluckily after Carter did well again to save only for the ball to hit the bar and drop to a waiting Alvechurch player.

No more league games for City now until April.