Banbury United manager Billy Jeffrey has applauded the attitude of Jack Ashton ahead of the visit of Halesowen Town on Saturday in the Premier Division.

Ashton moved to Oxford City in the summer, but decided to go back to Spencer Stadium this week.

And he made his return debut in the 0-0 draw with local rivals Brackley on Tuesday.

“I’m very pleased that he came back, because we didn’t want to lose him in the first place,” said Jeffrey, whose side are ten points clear of the drop zone.

“The fact he has taken a pay cut to come back shows what sort of player he is.

“Jack is a strong lad and is good at defending. He gives more options.

“He did a good job the other night and kept their attack pretty quiet. We played him on the left-hand side at wing back and he did well.”

Meanwhile, Jeffrey has expressed his sympathy for Brackley’s former Oxford United keeper Billy Turley, who broke a leg ten minutes from time after twisting awkwardly and had to be carried off before being going to hospital.

“I feel so sorry for Billy because of his bad injury,” said Jeffrey. “I believe it’s broken fibia.

“Elliott Sandy took over in goal, but we didn’t really test him. Overall I was happy with the result – our performance was good again.

“We have to keep it up against Halesowen, though we can’t afford to get complacent.”

City boss Mike Ford said: “I told him on Sunday that Banbury had made an approach and would he like to speak to them.

“He has decided to go, but I said to him the door is open should he want to return.”

North Leigh are boosted by the return of striker Matty Taylor from an ankle injury for their home game against Bideford in Division 1 South & West.

Abingdon United are without JP Mills (back), Anaclet Odhiambo (ankle) and Graham Lewis (away) for the trip to Taunton Town.

SATURDAY'S SQUADS Banbury Utd (v Halesowen, home): from Murrell, Stanbridge, Cray, Gordon, Learoyd, Maddox, Coleman, Benjamin, Stone, Martin, Staff, Taylor, Oulton, Cross, McDonald, Buckwell.

North Leigh (v Bideford, home): from Lonsdale, Posey, Wood, Hole, Franklin, Hopkins, McCabe, Burnell, Sanders, Reardon, Caton, Redknap, Futcher, Dutton-Black, Hodgkins.

Abingdon Utd (v North Leigh, away): from Beames, Foster, Elkins, Halliday, Carnell, Allaway, Wimble, Harper, Melledew, Mills, Gardner, Orgad, Davis, Romeo, Marsh.