Hellenic League preview: Bicester Town manager Eddie Nix has vowed to bounce back after his team were relegated from the Hellenic League Premier Division for the first time.

Dwaine StrongFounders members of the league 50 years ago, Bicester bow out of the top flight with a home game against Shortwood United on Saturday.

But Nix says his thoughts are already focused on next season's Division 1 West assault.

He said: "My aim here has always been to rebuild the club after years in the doldrums, and that remains my primary target.

"I admit it doesn't look good for me, but Bicester should have gone down in past seasons, but got away with it due to league changes.

"It's unfortunate that I've been the manager who brought them down, because the buck stops with me. "I don't wish to sound disrespectful to Division 1 sides, but the standard is completely different, and I'm pretty sure we can bounce back.

"We have been offered some big sponsorship deals next season, and things are looking promising."

Bicester will be without seven first-team regulars for tomorrow's clash.

Gareth Benfield (broken ankle), Lee Nix (shin splints), Gary Lawton (eye), Michael Simpson (back) and Danny McIver (knee) are all ruled out. Ben Thomas and Graeme Edney are the other absentees, as they are on holiday.

Didcot Town take on Bishops Cleeve at Loop Meadow (2pm), but will have one eye on Monday's Supplementary Cup final against Southall at Abingdon United (3pm).

Manager Pete Foley, whose team lifted the Berks & Bucks Senior Trophy last week with a 2-0 victory over Milton Keynes City, said: "To be honest, I'd rather win Monday than tomorrow.

"It's all about silverware, and if we can win another cup, it constitutes a very successful season for us. The cup is my main priority."

Dwaine Strong, who made a surprise comeback from his hamstring injury last week, may be included in the squad, though Foley is wary of testing him out too much.

"Dwaine is the quickest player I've ever seen at this level," he said.

"I don't want to bring him back too quickly, because he's very important for our future plans."

In Division 1 West, Ricky King and Jamie Clarke are expected to recover from midweek knocks as Old Woodstock host Headington Amateurs.