IAN Long has so far been left frustrated in his quest to bolster Tividale's forward line.

The boss at The Beeches stepped up his search for a striker last week after Jazz Luckie's departure to Stafford Rangers and Lewis Taylor-Boyce's return to Walsall Wood.

However, Long was left bemoaning Tivi's financial constraints after being turned down by Hinckley's Matt Gardner and Lye frontman Ricky Anslow.

Both rejected a move to the Northern Premier League Division One South after the club couldn't match their current wages.

Long said: "It is frustrating but also highlights how well we are doing as a side.

"I am shopping in the leagues below but still can't compete.

"Another area the club need to look at improving is the youth set up. At times like this it would be great to be able to call on a younger players who is showing signs in the youth team, but at the moment that is not something I can do."

Long has now put in seven days notice for Gornal's Rion Francis-Mills and Boldmere St Michael's Roland Agbor as he looks to add pace to his attacking options.

Tividale's game against Carlton last Saturday fell victim to the heavy rainfall. It means Tivi could field a strong team during a busy week of action.

They were set to take on Norton away in the Doodson Sports Cup last night night before welcoming Wednesfield in the JW Hunt Cup on Thursday. They will then face Brigg Town at The Beeches this Saturday.

Forward Jordan Archer is set to return to action this week after overcoming a foot injury.