Layton's double seals fifth place for Alcester Town

ALCESTER Town ended their season as they began it, with a victory over Burntwood Town.

Top scorer Matt Layton struck twice as James Robbins' men secured a 2-1 victory at Main Road to ensure a fifth-place finish in Midland League Division Three.

Town were without the injured Chris Hill, John Beacham, Nick Dance and Steve Nurse.

The started in a scrappy fashion, Alcester guarding against a direct game plan from the home side, who were playing down the slope in the first half. Town themselves struggled to put their stamp on the game.

It was though, the visitors who took the lead. Top goalscorer Matt Layton got himself on the end of a fantastic Leon Blundell cross from the right to head home.

Burntwood hit back shortly before half-time, the Town defence failing to deal with another long ball forward and the Burntwood striker cut inside to curl home in =to the far corner to bring his side level.

Town could have retaken the lead, but Layton and Lamar Simms were denied in quick succession.

After the break and now attacking down the slope, Alcester were managing to get more of a foothold on the game. Chances came and went for Matt Trinder and the impressive Blundell.

The home side created a couple of half chances on the breakaway but nothing to particularly worry Town goalkeeper Paul Dipple.

The winner arrived ten minutes before the end.

Again, it was Blundell with the ball in from the right and Levoniel Anderson's clever flick fell nicely for Layton, who side-footed home his 37th goal of the campaign to seal the victory.

Match reaction in this week's Herald