DEPLETED Calne Town are still without an away point this term after defeat at the hands of mid-table Clyst Rovers on Saturday.

Missing nine first team regulars, Calne were only able to name a squad of 13 players, with 39-year-old manager Paul Rankin making his first start for the club at sweeper.

The visitors went down to two goals from prolific Clyst frontman Sufyan Ghazghazi and a Martin Dunston effort, but the outcome might have been very different had Stuart Skinner not missed from the spot in the first half after he was hauled down in the area.

Calne took heart from the performances of young striker Peter Temple and on loan Forest Green Rovers goalkeeper Brendan Dicks.

Temple saw a shot bounce down off the underside of the bar when the visitors were a goal behind and Dicks impressed with a string of saves.

Visiting boss Rankin felt his side had paid dearly for the absence of players such as Craig Tuck, Julian Alexander, Mark Strickland and Justin Lowe.

He said: "We have been struggling with injuries for the past six weeks. Some of the better players have been coming back not quite fit.

"We went there with only 13 players and that included me at sweeper. At 39-years-old, that's not something I'd want to do too often.

"But the fact is we've got to turn it around and quickly. I will be looking for new faces and have seven days of approach in for three players."

The players on Rankin's wish list are Swindon Supermarine's Doug Imrie, Andy Wileman, of Corsham, and Larkhall man Elliott Williams.

And Rankin revealed a number of clubs have been looking to capitalise on Calne's poor league position by trying to tempt players away from Bremhill View.

Andy Towers, Craig Tuck and Matt Peters have all been approached, as has Alexander, who is currently mulling over a possible move back to his former club Devizes Town.

Said Rankin: "I'm hoping Julian will stay. I wouldn't want to lose him because he is a quality player. He doesn't need to make a decision straight away and has a month to make up his mind."

l WARMINSTER Town's dismal form continued as they were beaten 4-0 by league leaders Bath City Reserves at Weymouth Street on Saturday.

Bath's victory owed much to their former Chippenham Town connection, with defender Lee Burns scoring twice from the penalty spot and recently departed winger Lee Collier also on the mark.

Owen Bryan scored the Romans' other goal.