ALVECHURCH captain Nick Jones says his side's next two fixtures are of critical importance after a disappointing weekend defeat.

The Hopwood side squandered a promising start against bogey side Alveley and slipped down the Worcester Three pecking order.

The visitors reached 50 without loss after losing the toss but were undermined by a batting collapse to 101 all out.

The Birmingham Road side will again be without their captain at the weekend as they entertain Belbroughton (2pm start) in a match which could see them climb back to second.

But the side will be stiffened by the addition of wicketkeeper Mat Haywood and bat Keith Rostill from the now defunct Solihull Municipal.

Both are eligible for selection this week and join former teammates John Rose and Jimmy Clifford.