Richard Thompson insists feet are firmly on the ground at Almondsbury Town, despite growing excitement over a promotion chase that is gaining momentum.

Little more than a fortnight ago, the second-placed Oaklands Park outfit trailed leaders Reading Town by a daunting 16 points.

Now, after breezing to five straight wins, Almonds head for Fairford Town tomorrow with only a four-point deficit to address, and three crucial games in hand, over a Reading side who have slumped to two home defeats in a row.

Thompson, pictured below, is refusing to get carried away and stressed: "We've got almost half a season's worth of fixtures to play over the next two months, including a couple of cup games, and that will pose an astronomical test for our squad.

"I am not playing mind games in saying that, I'm simply being realistic, and it may be that I need to get a few more experienced bodies in to help us through."

Winterbourne United manager Nick Tanner admits he finds his team's home form "baffling".

Bourne have lost their last five games in their own backyard, yet have enjoyed back-to-back successes on the road, scoring nine goals and conceding one.

Small wonder Tanner finds solace in the fact his men travel for a Division One West tussle with North Leigh Reserves tomorrow.

"Again we created chances (in Saturday's 3-0 home defeat by Lydney) and I just can't fathom why we didn't score and why our home form in general is so poor," he said.

Tytherington Rocks manager Barry Granger is targeting a replacement defender as cover for ever-present James Mooney, who has hobbled on gamely with a knee ligament problem but may now find himself afforded an extended rest.

"James has been very consistent for us and is a versatile player so it would be a blow to lose him," said Granger.

"He feels he can continue but it's clear to me something needs to be done about his knee and I need to be ready for that."

Rocks are without a fixture for the second successive Saturday after last weekend's trip to Easington Sports was postponed.