ALVECHURCH manager Mick Preece was still fuming after a last minute fixture change robbed him of a defence for last week's trip to Marconi.

Church were set down to play Continental Star at home on Tuesday but Lye Meadow tenants Kings Heath had a Birmingham Senior Cup tie against Studley which took preference.

League bosses, desperate to clear a fixture backlog after a waterlogged winter, ordered Alvechurch to make the trek to Coventry.

Preece, left with a dearth of players through unavailability and work commitments, saw his charges lose 2-1 despite a battling display.

And the Lye Meadow boss was even forced to hand a dramatic debut to young midfielder Matt Dallaway.

Dallaway was plying his trade with Redditch and Warwickshire Premier outfit Bromsgrove Athletico before being snapped up and thrown into action the same evening.

Fit-again Matt Pugh and fellow defender Nolan Talbot were ruled out by the late switch and Martin Keight was suspended.

All three were hoping to return for the visit of Romulus in the Midland Combination Challenge Cup last night but midfielder Brett Skinner was cup-tied.

Skinner will be available for the visit of Coventry Sphinx on Saturday (ko 2.45pm).

Striker Richard Stocks was also hoping to return after missing Saturday's 3-2 win over Blackheath.

Midfielder Paul Court (ankle) and wing back Robert Powell (hamstring) were pressing for a return.

Both were on the bench on Saturday and played for their Sunday sides.

Midfielder Nick Lamorte is back after a hamstring strain but defender Matt Davis is suspended.

Alvechurch entertain Northfield Town in the Smedley Crooke Cup on Tuesday (ko 7.30pm).

And the club have been drawn at home to Banks's Premier side Malvern in the Worcestershire Senior Urn semi final on Tuesday, March 20 (ko 7.30pm).