ALVECHURCH manager Ian Long will be trying to tempt Corby Town midfield man Jordan Francis to join him at Lye Meadow this week.

Long wants Francis to fill the void left by highly rated Yusefu Ceesay following his loan spell from Blackpool.

Ceesay has since returned to Blackpool and Long said: "Jordan impressed me when we played against Corby last season. He has plenty of pace and is Erdington based so I'm hoping we can tempt him away."

Long is mindful he may have to boost numbers with Taylor Morrison recently moving to local rivals Stratford Town while Dan O'Callaghan has joined Rushall Olympic.

Long added: "Dan didn't feature in our recent games against Rushall Olympic and St Neots. I thought he would stay and fight for his place but he received a very good offer to join Rushall and I can understand his decision."

Church were due to face Stratford Town for the fifth time this season during the week before heading for Biggleswade Town on Saturday in the Evo Stik Southern League Central Division.

Long intends to recall Ryan Winwood who has recently featured for both West Midland League side Wolves Casuals and then Total Motion Midland League outfit AFC Wulfrunians to help speed his return to fitness.

Despite having no game last week, the Church still remain third in the table and Long said: "All the results went in our favour this week but I still do not consider ourselves title contenders this season. In fact I'd be delighted if the season ended right now."