MISSED chances proved Alvechurch's downfall at the weekend when they went down 2-1 at home to Malvern Town.

And manager Peter Frain is anxious that the same thing doesn't happen again this weekend when Stratford Town make the trip to Lye Meadow.

"We were 1-0 up at half-time but it should have been two or three," the Church boss said. "It was all about missed chances. We had seven or eight to get something from the game while they had just two breaks and scored from each."

Alvechurch have faced the top five sides in their last handful of games but Frain knows Saturday's match will be just as tough.

"This is a real six-pointer for us, we need to beat teams like this to move up the table.

"But it will be difficult as Stratford are not a bad side. The thing in this league is that all the clubs are capable of taking points off each other."

Striker Brett Fitzpatrick missed the Malvern game and is a doubt for the Stratford clash. Centre half Anthony Sutton is also set to miss out due to work commitments but Frain hopes to bring in a loan signing as cover.

l A late goal from Anthony Savery earned Studley a 1-0 win over fellow strugglers Causeway United at the weekend.

And manager Kevin Rowlands is hoping for more of the same when Ludlow Town, another club battling to avoid the drop, make the trip to the Beehive on Saturday.

"Savo was absolutely superb for us again," the Bees boss said.

"He is a midfielder but has filled in for us up front because of the injuries we have."

Savery damaged his neck at the start of the season and has been struggling to overcome the pain ever since.

"He played a few games around Christmas for us but had a reaction," Rowlands explained.

But with Andy Johnson and Jamie Bailey still ruled out, Savery could again find himself fronting the Bees attack.

Rowlands also praised the influence of new arrival Andy Dodds, an experienced defender snapped up from Midland Alliance rivals Rushall Olympic on the eve of the Causeway clash.

"He came in at right back and was excellent - not just in his play but also with the advice he could offer to those around him."

But there was bad news on the injury that forced Richard Kavanagh off early in the game. X-rays have confirmed a broken foot that will sideline him for up to two months.