FOOTBALL: A BRACE from Dildale Linton helped Alvis Sporting return to top form by thumping Fairfield Villa 4-0 to enhance their promotion prospects from the Midland League Division Two.
The result was a confidence builder for the Coventry outfit, in what was also a dress rehearsal for the Midland League Presidents Cup Final when the two teams meet again on May 9.
While Fairfield Villa had opportunities in the opening minutes, it was Alvis who took the lead in the 12th minute. Dildale Linton was fouled on the edge of the penalty area, and captain Michael Quirke drilled the ball home through a ruck of players.
Linton increased Alvis’ lead on 25 minutes when he cut in from the left and scored with a curling right foot shot from eight yards out.
After the break, Linton added his second goal of the game when he headed home from a narrow angle following a Corrie Powell corner.
Alvis became increasingly dominant, and registered their 100th goal in all competitions on the hour mark, when Daniel Pidgeon netted from 25 yards with a low shot.
In finishing their home fixture list, Alvis now need a maximum six points from their remaining three games to ensure promotion.
“We anticipated that this would be a tough game, but once we went in front we were the better side in all departments,” said a delighted Alvis boss Damian Cassidy.
“Hopefully, the lads will all pull together with promotion within their grasp.”
Alvis Sporting visit Knowle on Saturday in their penultimate league game of the season.
