Football: Midland Alliance

THREE league defeats and an FA Cup exit have not been the best of starts for Alvechurch but manager Peter Frain is not reaching for the panic button.

The Lye Meadow side suffered back-to-back defeats over the bank holiday weekend prompting the manager to call for more effort from his players.

"We have played five league games now and played for just 45 minutes - you cannot do that," the Church manager explained.

"We were beaten by a very, very good footballing side in Quorn but against Stratford, we allowed them back into the game.

"As the manager I hold my hand up and take the responsibility. As a team we have just not performed."

Quorn romped to a 3-0 win on Saturday, Liam Turner bagging a goal in each half to add to a late Gary Griffiths strike.

And although it was a better display from Church on Monday, the outcome was still the same as Stratford Town ran out 1-0 winners. Keith Rostill drew the visitors level on the half-hour, cancelling out a Craig Pountney goal, only for Ryan Mahon to secure the win.

"We may have to look around for some players but you look at some of the other clubs in the league and they are throwing money at their side," Frain added.

Church have a chance to bounce back on Saturday when they play host to an Oadby Town side (12.15pm ko) who have also made a disappointing start to the season. Boldmere St Michaels provide the opposition on Tuesday.