ALVECHURCH are being held up in their bid to sign pacy Highgate United striker Liam O'Shea after losing lightning front man Brett Fitzpatrick to an horrific injury last month.

Church manager Andy Hibbert was hoping to bring in O'Shea for last night's (Tuesday) trip to Coventry Sphinx but the deal has been put on hold.

Church took another faltering step towards the title with an up-and-down 3-2 win over Coleshill at the weekend.

Church went 3-0 up only to wobble and ship two goals - just as they did at Bolehall Swifts last week - but Bryan's side eventually banked another three points to stay third and climbed to second with a 0-0 draw at Coventry Sphinx last night.

Left back Neil Finan returned to the squad but Ross Knight (hamstring), Matty Bourne (knee), Brett Skinner (broken finger) and Colin Jones (groin) were all absent.

Hibbert hopes to have them all back for the visit of Leamington in the first leg of the Willie Knibbs Challenge Cup semi final on Saturday (ko 2.45pm) with Knight the biggest doubt.

The hosts are still in three cup competitions with the Challenge Cup the most prominent as it offers a Villa Park final against either Pilkington XXX or Wilmcote S&S, both Division One sides.

The Lye Meadow side return to league action at sixth placed Highgate United on Tuesday (ko 7.45pm).