Alvechurch suffered a dramatic nine-minute collapse in a 5-3 away defeat to Barwell.

The visitors, who travelled to the UK Flooring Direct Stadium in rural Leicestershire on Saturday (November 9) for the Southern League Premier Division Central clash, were hoping to find a change in fortune after suffering two defats on the trot.

They had managed to keep their previous nine league games tight, with each match being decided by a single goal.

Alvechurch seemed to be off to a promising start when Charlie Wragg, on loan from Walsall, scored in the eighth minute, giving his side the lead as he slotted the ball under the goalkeeper's legs.

However, the game took a turn after the referee controversially awarded Barwell a penalty kick.

Former Premier League player Leroy Lita converted the spot-kick for Barwell, levelling the score.

Tyrone Barnett managed to regain the lead for Alvechurch just before the half-time whistle as he tapped in a cross from left-back Ammar Dyer.

But the second half saw a complete turnaround.

Barwell scored four goals in a nine-minute blitz, leaving Alvechurch with little hope of a comeback.

Former Church player Tyrell Skeen-Hamilton, substitute Olly Brownhill, Riley Moloney, and Deen Master all found the net for the home side, taking advantage of defensive lapses from Church.

There was some consolation for the visitors, as Daniele Reka, who has come through the youth ranks at the club, came off the bench to net his maiden first team goal with the last kick of the game for a glimmer of hope.

The defeat leaves Alvechurch in 17th place in the table, just two points off the bottom four.

A club spokesperson said: "First-half was the perfect typical away day performance before a total capitulation in the second meant Church slip to 17th in the Southern League table.

"Having been top of the pile only two months ago, their steady decline means they are now only two points off the bottom four."

Church will now look to pull themselves back together in an away clash with Leiston.