ALVECHURCH knocked Handrahan Timbers out of the Endsleigh Challenge Cup on Saturday despite having to field a makeshift back line.

Central defenders Matt Davis (holiday) and Matt Pugh were unavailable and Nolan Talbot was ruled out aftr a back operation.

And central defender Carl Dainter defected to near neighbours Feckenham last week.

The Church drew 1-1 at Wall Heath after 90 mins, were drawing 2-2 after extra time and went through 5-4 on penalties after Richard Stocks, Dean Meyrick, Martin Keight, Rob Powell and Chris Townsend held their nerve.

Striker Brett Skinner has followed Dainter to Feckenham.

"The lad had an ulcer and was quite ill for a while," said Church manager Mick Preece.

"He wanted to play football but couldn't give us the commitment we needed."

Preece was set for talks with an unnamed Midland Comb striker this week.

Alvechurch were set to entertain Alveston last night (Tuesday), weather permitting.

Stocks was unavailable but Pugh was set for a recall.

Talbot is pushing for a return against visiting Northfield Town on Saturday (ko 2.45pm) and Davis returns from holiday for the trip to Massey Ferguson on Saturday, November 11.