Almondsbury Town manager Richard Thompson has backed his players to emerge fighting in the wake of their most frustrating night of the campaign.

Tuesday's 2-0 defeat by Oxford City Nomads was only their second reverse of the Premier Division season and their first at home. It was also the first time Almonds have failed to find the net this term.

With four successive away games awaiting them, starting with tomorrow's trip to Ascot United, Almondsbury have a seven-point gap at the top to shut. And Thompson knows his side are at make-or-break time.

He said: "It's all about how well the lads react to a bad night against an Oxford team who were quicker and sharper than us.

"I could see a lot of finger-pointing going on among our boys afterwards and I'd like to think that means they're hurting from a rare off-day and are doubly determined to get us back on course."

Nick Tanner has warned his Winterbourne United players of the potential threat posed by bottom side Launton Sports, who have yet to win this term.

"Launton have a new management team and they gained their first point at Trowbridge a couple of weeks ago, so they cannot be taken lightly," said Tanner.

Last Saturday's 1-0 defeat at the hands of Headington was the latest blow for Winterbourne in their own backyard. "It's not the first time an opposing manager has congratulated us on our effort and commitment and it is scant consolation," added Tanner.

Tytherington Rocks have lost the services of midfielder Nick Jones, only a few months after signing him from AXA.

"Nick has changed job and moved house so he's been forced to leave us, which is a shame because he has done well," said boss Barry Granger ahead of his team's mid-table clash at Clanfield..

The Rocks manager has moved quickly to re-sign former skipper Pete Holbrook from Henbury. "Pete is a very good player who will provide useful cover in midfield or at the back," said Granger.