Romulus 5, Alvechurch 3

Alvechurch played a good part in their own un-doing after taking a third minute-lead against fancied Romulus.

Phil Cotterill's early shot was too hot to handle for keeper Keyte and Dean Tilley pounced for the easiest of chances to slot the ball into the empty net.

'Church continued on top, but a dreadful pass across the back line from Carl Dainter let in Gossage to plant the ball past the hapless Inman for a 16th minute equaliser.

Dean Meyrick should have scored on the half-hour but he failed to connect properly with a sweet ball into the box from Cotterill, and from only six yards out allowed the defence to cover.

Before the break 'Church were exposed down their right flank and Gossage added a second by shooting low across Inman.

Alvechurch began the second half in better shape with Paul Court having three chances in the opening minutes, but all went begging and all the hard work amounted to nothing on 55 minutes when Romulus profited from a mistake from Inman.

Bailey latched onto a poor clearance before logging the 'Church keeper.

Further misery followed on 74 minutes, with two goals in two minutes, both stemming from breaks following the breakdown of Alvechurch attacks, to leave 'Church 5-1 adrift.

A mini revival ensued, with Cotterill winning an 80th minute penalty, after being held in the box; Tilley converted.

Substitute Michael Campbell finished the scoring with a stunning solo goal, capitalising on a super through ball from Dainter before rounding the 'keeper and firing into the roof of the net.