REPORT: Quorn 0-1 Alvechurch

By Dan Sheward

On the back of a positive result last week, Quorn had hoped to build some momentum, but Callum Sullivan’s 59th minute winner proved to be the only goal in a match that the Reds will feel they deserved more from.

It was an aggressive start from the Reds, which saw captain Reece Fyfe almost put his side ahead within the first thirty seconds. His effort was blocked by a blue shirt but showed positive attacking intent.

The opening ten minutes were stop-start as both sides fought for control. Silvio Bello made an outstanding block to prevent the Reds from falling behind, with both sides creating chances at either end as the game set itself up to be a competitive one.

It was a cagey affair in the first half, with both teams struggling to create anything clear-cut as defensive structures remained stubborn, keeping goal-scoring opportunities to a minimum.

Quorn came close to opening the scoring on two occasions around the 25-minute mark. The first chance came from an inviting ball in from Deen Master which flashed across the six-yard box but failed to meet the boot of a red shirt.

Shortly after, Master found himself in a similar position and this time delivered a floated cross which found the rising Jacob Fenton, whose header flashed wide.

A lovely give-and-go between Master and Beswick opened up what looked like a certain goal-scoring opportunity, but to Quorn’s disappointment the flag was raised for master’s run in behind. Beswick’s side continued knocking on the door as the first half approached its conclusion.

It was a half of few chances with a scrappy nature throughout. Neither side established real control and it looked as though a moment of brilliance would be needed if the deadlock was to be broken.

Quorn started the second half in similar fashion, coming agonisingly close to taking the lead. The best chance of the game fell to Cain Noble, whose header struck the left post before being cleared.

However, it was Alvechurch who broke the deadlock to take a 1–0 lead through Callum Sullivan, despite Quorn having been the better side.

The visitors nearly doubled their advantage shortly after when their number 10 Jonny Ngandu produced an outside-of-the-boot effort which curled into the side netting.

Quorn responded with a chance of their own as Zak Goodson fired a powerful effort into the side of the net while attempting to drag his side back into the game.

As the match entered the final ten minutes, Quorn struggled to find joy against a stubborn Alvechurch defence.

Goalkeeper Adam Harrison was called into action to make a strong save from a thunderous effort by Alvechurch’s number two.

Goodson then stood over a dangerous free kick on the right-hand side of the penalty area, debating whether to shoot or cross. His whipped delivery was powerfully struck but was palmed away by the Alvechurch goalkeeper.

Quorn continued to push for an equaliser late on, with Goodson again involved as his deflected effort became the latest chance of the half. Goodson was later shown a yellow card for a strong challenge as the game entered stoppage time.

Six minutes of added time were announced, giving Quorn a final opportunity to rescue a result. A corner in the 93rd minute flashed just wide, agonisingly close for the Reds as they searched for a late leveller.

The match ended 1-0 to the visitors in a disappointing afternoon for Ryan Beswick and his side. They’ll look to Tuesday’s match against Stamford to get back on track.