THE performance was described as 'shocking' and 'awful' by joint manager Andy Hibbert but, after a tense penalty shootout, Alvechurch forward Brett Skinner slotted home the decisive spot kick at Moor Green to secure only the third Combination league and cup double in the club's history.

Hibbert and joint manager Neil Bryan made history by guiding the club to a record sixth Midland Combination Challenge Cup win, one more than Highgate United and Paget Rangers.

The game bore a striking similarity to Church's league campaign, with the Lye Meadow side on the back foot for long periods against their lower division opponents.

But Hibbert was quick to praise a defence which restricted Pilkington's attempts at goal despite conceding possession.

The shootout was not without controversy with sub Colin Jones missing Church's second penalty only to score on the retake after the referee spotted Pilkington keeper Neil Leech off his line.

Church keeper Mark Sanders stopped the next spot kick - from Martin Wilkinson - only to suffer the same fate.

But Sanders, who has come in for criticism this season, was the hero, saving the next two Pilkington penalties and allowing Skinner to confidently fire into the top right corner for a 4-2 win.

Matty Bourne had given Church the lead against the run of play in the 27th minute with a delightful lob after receiving a cross from Keith Rostill and spotting Leech off his line.

But a Triplex side featuring Church old boy Martin Keight gained a deserved equaliser four minutes after the break when the impressive Wilkinson blasted home inside the area.

Skinner was left alone in the area after a defensive mix up three minutes into injury time and beat Leech but saw his effort come back off the far post.

Triplex's Chris Hanson burst through the Church rearguard in the second period of extra time but fired agonisingly wide with only Sanders to beat.

Church striker Brett Fitzpatrick had a rousing reception after coming off the bench to make his playing return following his horror injury, suffered against Fernhill County Sports before Christmas.

And Fitzpatrick almost had the final say in the 117th minute but the big forward had fouled Mark Foley unspotted by the official and justice was served when Leech pulled off an impressive save.