ALVECHURCH claimed the local honours after knocking out rivals Redditch United on penalties to reach the Worcestershire FA Senior Cup final.

The title-chasing Reds had been on a high after winning 2-1 in another West Midlands derby at Halesowen Town in the Southern League Premier Division Central on Saturday.

But Monday night brought Matt Clarke's team down to earth as Church backed up a weekend victory with a 4-1 spot-kick success following a goalless draw at the Valley Stadium.

Jaanai Gordon, Jack Hallahan, Josh Dugmore and Leo Brown buried their penalties while keeper Ronnie Hollingshead produced several saves.

They will play the winners of the other semi-final between Evesham United and Kidderminster Harriers which was due to be played on Tuesday night.

Youngster Hollingshead had extended his loan spell from West Bromwich Albion until the end of the season before the clash.

James Fry's side had won 4-2 at struggling Long Eaton United in Premier Division Central on Saturday with Yaw Nantwi-Ofosu, Ethan Patterson, Gordon and Kartell Dawkins on target.

Church host play-off hopefuls Stamford on Saturday while Redditch are at home to relegation-threatened Berkhamsted (3pm).

The Reds will be looking to continue their strong league form after an eye-catching win at Halesowen.

Midfielder Jack Concannon, signed on loan from neighbours Church, put the visitors ahead on 57 minutes only for forward Miracle Okafor to level 12 minutes from time.

But striker Danny King swooped for the winner with five minutes of normal time left in front of 1,092 fans at The Grove.

The result left the Reds clinging on to top spot with Needham Market potentially able to take over after Tuesday night's home fixture with Leiston.

Boss Clarke has completed some key business ahead of the season run-in by extending experienced left-back Jordan Cranston's loan from Hereford until the end of the campaign.

Morgan Owen, a 19-year-old midfielder, has done likewise from Solihull Moors.

Ex-Stourport Swifts centre-half Matt Fulloway, signed from Sporting Khalsa last week, and Isaiah Bazeley, captured on a short-term loan, made solid debuts at Halesowen.

Clarke was delighted with the character and resilience shown by his side in the victory.