Town suffer shootout heartbreak

Goals from Alex Shaw, Adam Edwards and Nick Ford gave Town a deserved 3-2 lead, but Alveston produced a late equaliser and then sprung a surprise by switching goalkeepers for the shootout.

Alveston scored all five of their penalties and the replacement keeper, who had played outfield, drew on the experience gained from having played in goal at a high standard to keep out one of Kenilworth’s kicks.

Town manager Kev Kingham believed his side had missed an exccellent opportunity to progress.

“We’ve gone out of the cup against one of the top two teams in the league when we know that we should have beaten them,” said Kingham.

“Alveston were short of several players and this was an excellent chance to play them. We have played some good football but a mixture of individual errors and failing to take chances have prevented us winning.”

Town’s reserves moved into the second round of the Nursing Home Cup with a 3-2 success at Blockley Sports.

Mark Rutherford’s brace and a Matt Phipps strike ensured Kenilworth’s progress, with manager Mick Burke praising the progress of his side.

“It was exactly the sort of game we were losing six weeks ago,” said Burke.