More of what we have come to expect in recent weeks: a compact and disciplined performance that is by no means swashbuckling, but who can argue against another clean sheet, three points, and a spot at the top of the table.

Games between Church and the Yeltz are typically gritty hard fought affairs. Often close run, but always with a healthy rivalry that deserves to be at the sharp end of the table.

The players know each other well, and it is true a first half stalemate was of no real surprise, given that a win for either side would put them top of the SLPC pile.

Church perhaps had the better of the sparse collection of goal chances in the opening stages. Krystian Pearce headed over the bar for Alvechurch in the 5th minute and Dan Sweeney fired wide after 18 minutes. Pearce had connected with a 35 yard free kick delivered from far right, whilst Sweeney created his chance for himself after controlling a through ball to gain possession, and firing off a speculative effort from distance after spotting keeper Solly off his line.

For Halesowen, Kieren Donelly’s 29th minute looping header was collected by goalkeeper Ronnie Hollingshead and Donnelly then headed Reece Mitchell’s cross into the side-netting after 34 minutes. In between, Church’s Perry, on as an early substitute for Wakefield, who suffered a cut head, saw a 20 yard shot deflected inches wide after a Sterling-James corner had been only half cleared.

Just before the interval Donnelly headed into the goalkeeper’s hands from McKauley Manning’s free-kick, but it was destined to be a goalless first half.

Half Time: Alvechurch 0 Halesowen Town 0

The game remained tight in the second half as Sweeney’s effort went into the hands Solly and Halesowen’s Josh Smile shot into the arms of Hollingshead early in the half.

Halesowen survived a 69th minute goalmouth scramble when Archie Crowther’s effort hit the post from Pearce’s assist and the ball somehow stayed out with defender Reece Mitchell clearing. Solly then saved from Crowther in more late Alvechurch pressure.

But, of course, the game will be remembered for the winning goal. Teenager Daniel Shaw, a Friday signing on loan from Blackburn Rovers showed composure and no small amount of technical nous to curl a 20 yard effort into the top corner with just six minutes of normal time remaining.
The game probably needed a moment of magic to break the stalemate, and this did not disappoint.

It’s three successive 1-0 wins for Church now, and with two more home games to follow against play off place contenders Stamford and Stourbridge this will be a key time for Church to prove their mettle against the best in the division.