Frustrating Spell - 5th March

Danny Clark is braced for a long-awaited Tytherington Rocks opportunity after a frustrating spell trying to establish himself in their Division One West line-up.

"Since signing for us a couple of months ago (from King's Stanley) Dan has been reduced to a couple of substitute appearances and he needs games," said manager Barry Granger. "He's a skilful lad and I'm looking to give him a run from the start."

The forward will have to wait a bit longer for his full debut, however, as work commitments force him to miss Rocks' trip to struggling Cirencester United tomorrow.

Replacement Target - 26th February

Tytherington Rocks manager Barry Granger is targeting a replacement defender as cover for ever-present James Mooney (pictured), 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.

Better Times - 1st January

Tytherington Rocks manager Barry Granger is hoping for better times in 2010 after what he describes as a "frustrating" first half of the season in Division One West.

"We've been quite inconsistent as a team but what I've found harder than usual to stomach is the lack of commitment at times from players," he said. "I've been messed about by people more so than ever but that seems to be the age we're in now and I can't be alone."

Granger takes his team to face bottom side Launton Sports tomorrow without new signing Danny Clarke or injured full-back Rob Cave.

Second Time Around - 4th December

Dave Legg is poised for a second debut with Tytherington Rocks, as they seek to pull clear of a side they share a mid-table berth with.

Rocks and hosts Cricklade Town are locked on 19 points and a win would come in handy for Tytherington, who have suffered back-to-back defeats in Division One West.

Legg was poised to feature on his return to the club last weekend until their trip to Trowbridge was called off. Rocks boss Barry Granger said: "Dave is an experienced, old-fashioned type of target-man and he's just what we need."

Ross Irwin returns from a calf injury, but there is a doubt over Rob Cave.

Signings On Rocks - 27th November

Tytherington Rocks have re-signed striker Dave Legg, 26. But other potential signings cause concern amid a hectic spell for manager Barry Granger.

While pleased with the capture of Legg, Granger, was left frustrated after two transfer targets, experienced striker Tony Bennett and defender Dean Kingman, pulled out of potential moves. "Tony told me he couldn't come after all because of work commitments, while Winterbourne have put in a seven-day approach for Dean and there's every chance he'll go there," said Granger.

Rocks go to Trowbridge Town tomorrow out to atone for back-to-back defeats.

Signing Bid - 20th November

Tytherington Rocks have made a bid to sign experienced striker Tony Bennett during a period of high activity at the Division One West club.

With James Hicks poised for a switch to Toolstation League side Hallen, Rocks boss Barry Granger has been quick to identify a replacement. He hopes 34-year-old Bennett, who quit Cadbury Heath recently after building up match fitness with their reserves, will inject some potency into his goal-shy team.

While Bennett is unlikely to be available in time for tomorrow's trip to Wootton Bassett Town, one man poised for a full debut is former AXA midfielder Nick Jones, who made a second-half bow for Rocks at right-back during last weekend's 1-0 home defeat by Easington Sports.

Dean Kingman has also returned to the club after work commitments took precedence for the defender. Of Bennett's pending arrival Granger said: "Tony has bags of experience playing local semi-pro football and he can do a great job for us at our level."

Battling Competitors - 2nd October

Barry Granger insists Tytherington Rocks' battling recent performances demonstrate they can compete against the division's best.

Rocks, who entertain Clanfield tomorrow, are on a four-match unbeaten run. They're doing so too without skipper and sweeper Adam Keslake, who is on family leave until late December, and right-back Ross Irwin (ankle).

Granger's young-guns are also missing striker Mark Greenland. "We've come up against some very strong teams of late and I've been very pleased with how we've fought," Granger said. "Now I want us to take advantage of a series of home games and get some serious points on the board."

Midfielder Lost - 25th September

Rocks have lost central midfielder Shaun Bridson to Yate Town Reserves, just a few weeks after the youngster signed for the FTLFutbol Division One West team.

Rocks have new midfielder Simon Scanlon, the ex-Thornbury Town and Alveston performer, ready to fill the breach following his goal in last weekend's 2-2 away draw with Headington. Whether he features again in Rocks' home meeting with top-six rivals Cheltenham Saracens tomorrow remains to be seen, but definitely in the squad are veteran defender Tim Whittaker and Mark Greenland.

Life Without The Thompson Twins - 11th September

Barry Granger is facing up to life without the 'Thompson Twins' ahead of tomorrow's GFA Trophy tie at home against local rivals Chipping Sodbury Town.

Steve Thompson (left) has already quit Hellenic League Rocks to join Thornbury Town and his brother and fellow striker Danny (right) is poised to join him at the County League outfit next week.

"It's disappointing to lose them," said Granger. "Steve's work commitments have led to him taking a step down, while Danny is seeking regular first-team football. But we've got enough strength up front in Marcus Taylor, James Hicks and Mark Greenland, while Luke Davidson (ex-Longwell Green) has just joined us and he can support the attack well from midfield."

Boosted Rocks - 4th September

Tytherington Rocks entertain Trowbridge Town boosted by Monday's 1-1 away draw with a Slimbridge side who had won all six of their previous games.

Manager Barry Granger said: "It was a fabulous performance and Danny Thorpe scored again with a great header. Hopefully we can push on from this."

Skipper Out - 28th August

Tytherington rocks skipper Adam Keslake will be out of action for the next few weeks due to a family illness.

"Losing Adam will really hit us, not just because he is an excellent captain, but as a sweeper he is a top player," said manager Barry Granger.

Rob Cave is sidelined with a back injury, but Mark Greenland is available for tomorrow's match at home to Letcombe.

Optimistic - 21st August

Barry Granger (pictured) is optimistic another right-sided performer, teenager Daniel Robinson, can prove instrumental in Tytherington Rocks' Division One West campaign.

The 18-year-old Hartpury College student made his debut in Rocks' 3-0 defeat by North Leigh Reserves last weekend and his boss maintained: "Daniel impressed me a lot and I'm sure he can fill the void left by Luke Garbacz (now at Patchway Town).

Granger, whose team hit back from the North Leigh setback with a 6-0 midweek thumping of managerless Cirencester United, also has forward Mark Greenland available after his three-month New Zealand excursion.

Striker Danny Thompson returns for tomorrow's home encounter with Harrow Hill but full-back Rob Cave is sidelined.