IT may be two defeats from two games but Alvechurch manager Peter Frain is delighted with his side's start to the pre-season campaign.

And with a string of regulars ready to return to the side, the Lye Meadow boss expects to be challenging for honours come the end of the season.

Solihull Borough inflicted a 3-1 defeat on Frain's side on Saturday - four days after Evesham United had bagged a 2-1 victory. But Church proved a handful for their Southern League opponents.

"We have played two strong sides in our first two friendlies and have played some good football," said Frain.

"We wanted some tough games at the start to test the players and they have come through well.

"If you think we still have a number of key players to come back, then it looks good and I'm excited thinking about what we could achieve. If we don't finish in the top six, then I will be disappointed."

Earl Jordan bagged a debut goal in the Evesham game and the former Studley and Solihull winger again made an impression for Church against Solihull.

But it was skipper Keith Rostill who made the quickest impact, collecting a cross from another new signing, Junior Hewitt, before placing his shot in at the bottom corner less than a minute into the game.

For the opening half-hour, Church were the better side and Rostill sent a header over the bar following good work by the tireless Neil Kitching on the right flank.

With players taking a break every 30 minutes, the second period saw Boro raise the tempo thanks largely to the introduction of new signing Dave Egan. The midfielder was playing Midland Alliance football with Chasetown last term but has seamlessly made the transition, scoring one and setting up another of Solihull's goals.

On 32 minutes, he looped a ball towards goal and Matt Hawker - on loan at Lye Meadow last season - finished off, beating Church keeper Carl Lewis.

Hawker then turned provider to steer the visitors into the lead four minutes later, the midfielder crossing from the left to Justin Marsden, who powered his shot home via the foot of the post.

The final third saw Church press for an equaliser and Kitching and Ritchie Batchelor both sent efforts over the Boro target before Egan made it 3-1 when he headed home a corner from 12 yards.

Church entertain Atherstone Town on Saturday (3pm).