Alvechurch suffered a defeat to the only goal of the game for the fourth time this season in a 1-0 defeat to AFC Sudbury.

The Southern League Premier central game on Saturday (November 2) at the MEL Group Stadium was a tough affair for Church, who faced a long journey to Suffolk.

Despite the defeat, the fact that Sudbury's goalkeeper was named Man of the Match highlights Church's missed opportunities.

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Locked together just below mid-table, both teams needed the points to improve their standings.

Church had the best chances of the match but failed to convert.

Their hopes were dashed on 36 minutes when a mistake from keeper Hollingshead proved costly.

He miskick while trying to intercept a long ball allowed Josh Allen to recover possession.

Although Church seemed to have enough cover, Allen managed to feed the ball to Joe Neal, who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner from close range.

During the second half, chances continued to slip away for Church.

Tyrone Barnett missed two opportunities, one in the 61st minute when he shot over from a great cross by Dyer before going unmarked 10 minutes later but failing to direct his header past keeper James Bradbrook.

Alvechurch's defence faced few threats, but a save was forced out of Ronnie Hollingshead at the near post in the 80th minute from an angled shot by Neal.

Church continued pressing hard for an equaliser but could not break through Sudbury's solid defence.

The match ended on a sour note for Church as centre-back David Solademi received a red card in the 85th minute, and Kieran Wakefield picked up a yellow, leaving manager Jimmy Fry with selection concerns.

With only two wins in their last seven games, Church remain the lowest scorers in the league.

They next face Evesham United this evening (Tuesday, November 5) at the Spiers and Hartwell Stadium in the Worcestershire Senior Cup.