Mike Ford expects an improved showing from his Banbury United side as they travel to Marlow this evening in Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West.

The Puritans shipped three second-half goals in their opening day defeat to Swindon Supermarine on Saturday and boss Ford expects a reaction.

He said: “We didn’t take our chances in the first half and they took theirs in the second – that’s football.

“But if we play like we did in the second half on Saturday, we could be in for a long evening.”

Full-back Bradley Partner’s wait for his debut looks set to continue as Banbury seek international clearance and fellow defender Zak Eadle is also a doubt with a rib problem.

Midfielder Darius Browne returns to the squad after missing Saturday’s match due to illness.

Didcot Town joint manager Ian Concannon backed new striker Conor McDonagh to continue his fine goalscoring form as the Railwaymen host Bishops Cleeve this evening.

McDonagh struck twice on his competitive debut at Larkhall Athletic on Saturday to help Didcot to a 3-1 victory and Concannon feels there’s plenty more to come.

“He was a thorn in Larkhall’s side all afternoon,” said Concannon.

“The positive thing is that now he’s started scoring goals, more will follow in the matches to come.”

Didcot will name an unchanged squad.

Wantage Town travel to AFC Totton as they look to banish memories of their 1-0 defeat to Slimbridger.

TONIGHT’S SQUADS

Banbury Utd (v Marlow, away): from Tupper, Eadle, White, Bowles, Gunn, Steedman, Browne, McEachran, Evangelinos, Tappin, Johnson, Howards, Joyce, Bell, Martin, Cox, McLaughlin.

Didcot Tn (v Bishops Cleeve): from Bedwell, Elkins, Carnell, Learoyd, Organ, Dutton-Black, Longford, Self, Martin, Williams, McDonagh, Janes, Woodley, Deabill, Heapy.