Harborough Town 0
Alvechurch 1 (Willock 45’)
Harborough Town’s final match before Christmas ended in narrow defeat as a Shay Willock header on the stroke of half time wrapped up all three points for 10-man Alvechurch.
The Bees made the brighter start of the two sides, with Luis Rose finding joy in behind the defence but the forward could not fill his stockings with goals as he was denied by Ronnie Hollingshead in the Alvechurch net.
Josh Walsh then stung Hollingshead’s palms with a Christmas cracker from the edge of the box but an effort on goal from Alvechurch’s Willock, following smart build-up play by Bradley Stretton, provided the first moment of threat from the visitors.
The hosts would enjoy further chances through Ben Stephens, but an unmarked Willock at the back post guided Archie Crowther’s cross back across goal and into the net to give his side the lead heading into the half-time break.
As the temperature dropped and the wind picked up around the Community Football Ground, the heat rose on the pitch as two quick-fire yellow cards saw Willock presented with the one card he would not have wanted to receive this Christmas, as the goal scorer was given his marching orders.
With a man advantage, Harborough looked to get themselves back on level terms, but a mixture of the swirling wind and valiant defending from Alvechurch saw their best chance limited to the closing stages as Connor Kennedy’s effort curled just over the bar.
MOTM, sponsored by DS Ronald Builders: Josh Walsh (HTFC)
Match Rating: 2*
Report: Cristian Bratu