By Roger Vincent

Brakes Lose Lead Twice but Win at the Death

On a muddy pitch young Brakes squandered the lead twice before slotting the winner at the death for their first, league away win of the season.

Grainger was causing problems in the Alvechurch defence as Brakes made the early running so it was no surprise when Wilkinson put them ahead on 17 latching onto a through ball and cleverly side-stepping the 'keeper, 0-1. But, against the run of play, Alvechurch equalised in the 28th when a well-worked move ended in a back-heel which fooled van Der Heyden, 1-1.

A period of sustained, Alvechurch pressure saw them go ahead in the 37th when Brakes paid the penalty for failing to clear a ball bobbing around their goalmouth which was struck home from close range, 2-1. Just before the break Stacey was unlucky when he drove hard and low, after another good ball from Grainger, only to see the 'Church goalie save well.

Claridge came on for Bennett at the start of the second half. With Brakes starting to impose themselves again they drew level in the 60th when a superb ball from Poole saw Stacey drive a tremendous shot on goal which was beaten out by the goalie only for Wilkinson to knock home the loose ball, 2-2. Soon after Dosanjh was replaced by Webster. Two minutes later on 72 minutes Brakes took the lead for the second time when Claridge drove home after more good work by Grainger, 2-3.

Lee Scott was playing superbly in defence but even he couldn't stop Alvecurch's equaliser on 88 when a beautiful, unstoppable pile-driver from 30 yards made it 3-3. But then, with injury time being played, yet another through ball from Grainger saw Webster stride through the middle and calmly slot home the winner.