Alcester Town boss Aaron Blackwood hailed his side’s all-round performance as the Romans maintained their grip on top spot in Hellenic League Division One with a 4-0 victory over Shortwood United.

Blackwood’s side impressed in difficult conditions at Stratford Road, with Aaron Bunn opening the scoring midway through the first half before captain Jake Wicketts doubled the advantage just before the interval.

Two goals in as many minutes after the restart, from Adam Taylor and Wicketts, completed a commanding afternoon for the Romans.

“It was a good afternoon all round,” said Romans boss Aaron Blackwood.

“We were really pleased with the performance, especially given the horrendous conditions. I thought the lads handled it brilliantly and really took control in the second half, even playing against the wind.

“We scored four good goals, with Jake Wicketts’ volley in particular being an excellent finish, and keeping a clean sheet was just as pleasing. It was a strong all-round team performance.

“We'll look to carry that momentum into Wednesday's game at Redditch Borough.”

Alcester started positively and created opportunities during the opening period. Bunn came close to opening the scoring before his eventual breakthrough, forcing the Shortwood goalkeeper into a save low to his right with a well-struck effort.

The hosts continued to apply pressure, with a dangerous corner from Taylor Need causing problems in the Shortwood penalty area. James Morris got his head to the delivery and directed the ball across the box, but Bunn was narrowly unable to make the decisive connection.

The breakthrough arrived in the 25th minute. Following a set-piece delivery into the penalty area, the ball bounced around in a crowded box before Bunn reacted quickly, leaping to meet it and send Alcester into the lead.

The goal gave the Romans a platform to build on, and they continued to look for opportunities to extend their advantage before half-time.

Their persistence paid off in the 44th minute when captain Wicketts found the net with an excellent finish from open play. His goal doubled Alcester's lead and ensured the hosts went into the interval firmly in control.

Shortwood made two changes shortly after the restart, with Asamoah Boateng Afriyie replacing Jaden Lacey in the 56th minute before Angel Gonzalez came on for Ryan Brady a minute later.

Despite playing against the wind, Alcester dominated the second half and continued to threaten the visitors' goal.

Their pressure told in the 70th minute when Taylor added a third. Wicketts turned provider with an excellent ball into his teammate's path, and Taylor kept his composure to slide a cool finish beyond the goalkeeper and put The Romans 3-0 ahead.

There was barely time for Shortwood to recover before Alcester struck again.

Just a minute later, Wicketts completed his brace with a superb volley from just inside the penalty area. The captain connected brilliantly with the ball to produce an excellent finish and extend the hosts' advantage to four goals.

With the result beyond doubt, Alcester made their first substitution in the 72nd minute, with Adam Garmson replacing Henry Gibson.

Further changes followed during the closing stages. Liam O'Donnell replaced Taylor Need and Luke O'Hare came on for Wicketts in the 88th minute. Dale Edwards then replaced Daniel Sutton in the 90th minute, before Taylor made way for George Davis in stoppage time.

Alcester saw out the remaining minutes without conceding, completing a convincing home victory.