ALVECHURCH have pulled off a coup by capturing Swindon Town striker Josh Cooke.

The burly marksman has just been released by the Robins and turned out for Continental Star against the Church last week in the J W Hunt Cup.

Church had run out easy 7-0 winners but Cooke caught manager Ian Long's eye when he came on for Continental Star as a substitute.

Long revealed: "I liked what I saw. Josh is what I'd describe as a big, bustling old fashioned centre forward who holds the ball up well.

"He comes from the Weoley Castle area and only signed for Continental Star on the day of the game because I believe he knows their manager.

"We looked into his pedigree and made a move for him. He spent last season out on loan with Gloucester City in the Vanarama National League North."

The match itself told Long very little as the Church proved much too strong, going 2-0 up within four minutes of the kick-off and then 6-0 ahead by half time.

Long used the game to run the rule over some of the club's youngsters with the side made up of many youth and Under-21 players.

Babucar Sauane led the scoring spree with a hat-trick while Andy Nicol netted two more.

Church found it much tougher against Loughborough University in the Midland League Premier and twice had to come from behind to secure a 3-2 success.

Goals arrived from Danny Dubidat, Josh March and Josh Sarmento who came off the bench to score the winner.

Long was delighted with his substitutions, especially as Jack Cresswell also came off the bench to prove instrumental in two of the goals.

The Church host second placed Coleshill Town this Saturday at Lye Meadow which Long describes as a must-win game for his side.

Jamie Spencer remains the only injury doubt after being hit by a forklift truck while at work.