Forest Green Rovers put an end to Alvechurch’s FA Cup dream as the League One outfit squeezed past their non-league counterparts 2-1 at the New Lawn.

Former Crystal Palace striker Connor Wickham put Rovers, who are bottom of Sky Bet League One, ahead from the penalty spot in the 24th minute.

Alvechurch - who play in the seventh-tier Southern League Premier Central Division and were the lowest-ranked team left in the competition - equalised three minutes into the second half through Jediah Yeboah Abbey’s stunning free-kick.

However, Josh March put the League One side back in front just two minutes later, scoring against his former club.

Forest Green finished the match with 10 men after defender Dom Bernard was sent off for a second yellow card after grabbing Danny Waldron’s shirt as the Church striker looked to break clear.

But Church could not find a way to make the most of playing against 10 men for more than 20 minutes and their cup run came to an end.

Having beaten Cheltenham Town in round one, hopes were high that Church could repeat their heroics but it was not to be and after the game, manager Ian Long was slight disappointed with his side’s performance.

But Long was still proud of the run his side produced.

“Forest Green were the better side,” he said.

“We struggled at times and I’m disappointed with the way that we conceded the second goal - we switched off at the back and we’ve been done in.

“If we could have just held on for a few minutes it could’ve given us a bit more energy and a little more polish on the ball. But we’ve let ourselves down.”

Focus now switches back to the Southern League for Church, who will be hoping to push up the table following what has been a stuttering campaign to date.

They travel to AFC Rushden and Diamonds on Saturday.