Halesowen Town secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Alvechurch at The Grove, with Bermuda international Milan Butterfield heading home the decisive goal in a match that also saw Ajani Burchall's Wimborne Town climb the table, while Willie Clemons' Leiston suffered a narrow defeat.
The clash between Halesowen Town and Alvechurch in the Southern League Premier Central division was goalless until the 75th minute, when the drama erupted. Jason Cowley initially appeared to have given Halesowen the lead, but the referee, following much "debacle," ruled the goal out for a handball.
The goal eventually arrived eight minutes later, courtesy of Milan Butterfield. The Bermudian midfielder rose highest to head home his first goal since September, finally breaking the deadlock. The second goal was deservedly added in the fourth minute of added time when Cowley redeemed himself, rounding Redman Evans and slotting into an open net to extend his impressive goal record to 18 for the season.
The 2-0 win lifted Halesowen Town into the top half of the table.
In the Southern League Premier South Division, Ajani Burchall and his Wimborne Town teammates secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Gosport Borough at the Wyatt Homes Stadium. The win vaulted Wimborne Town up the standings to second place.
However, there was disappointment for Willie Clemons and Leiston FC in the Southern League Premier Central division. They went down 1-0 to Bishop’s Stortford at the Flannery Stadium. Despite the loss, Leiston remained in the top half of the competitive league table.
