DEBUTANT Omari Sterling-James scored a superb free-kick in vain as Alvechurch began the season with a 2-1 defeat at Bishop’s Stortford.
Sterling-James reduced the deficit in the second half after Jack Roberts and Brad Russell put the home side in command at the RDA Stadium.
The home side took the lead on 28 minutes when Roberts finished into an empty net from close range after good work from Russell.
And the hosts doubled their lead 10 minutes later as Russell collected Fabio Virciglio’s pass before powering a shot past Charlie Woods in the Church goal.
The visitors halved the deficit in style on 68 minutes when Sterling-James curled a stunning free-kick into the left corner of the goal from 25-yards out.
And Church almost found an equaliser late on only for Dan Sweeney to fire over the crossbar under pressure from seven-yards out following a flowing team move.
Alvechurch are next in action at home to Harborough Town on Tuesday, August 13 with kick-off at 7.45pm at Lye Meadow.
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