ALVECHURCH manager Mick Preece, without seven players for last night's planned Challenge Cup semi final, had an unwelcome reprieve when the match was postponed.

The Lye Meadow pitch once again fell victim to the wet weather as Preece prepared to take on Nuneaton Griffs for a place in the Villa Park final.

And the club was looking at the option of sacrificing home advantage in a bid to stage tomorrow's (Thursday) league match against Southam (ko 7.30pm).

Preece was set to be without a host of regulars as Church chased their second cup final of the season.

Alvechurch had a tight extra time win over Alveston in the quarter final on Saturday but have a race to play the semi before the final on Wednesday, May 9.

With second placed Griffs aiming to bounce back after their weekend title setback at Studley, Preece faces a stiff task.

Midfielder Brett Skinner is cup-tied, forward James Preece was unavailable and fellow front-runner Michael Campbell working last night.

Forward Nick Lamorte is nursing a foot injury, left back Robert Powell and midfielder Jason Vann have hamstring trouble and striker Adam Ryder has fluid on the knee.

Skinner, Campbell and Preece are hoping to return tomorrow for the Southam match and Lamorte has an outside chance.

But Vann is ruled out until next week and could return for the visit of Meir on Tuesday (ko 7.45pm) and Powell and Ryder face extended spells on the sidelines.

Ryder was set to see a doctor tomorrow about his knee.

Alvechurch Reserves have earned promotion to Division Two and the Youths will take on either Redditch United or Kidderminster Harriers after reaching the Worcestershire Youth Cup final.