Banbury United boss Mike Ford was full of praise for hot-shot striker Ricky Johnson ahead of his high-scoring side’s trip to Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West whipping boys Bashley tomorrow afternoon.

Johnson, in his second spell at the club, hit a four-timer in last weekend’s 5-0 thrashing of Larkhall Athletic – the fourth time this season he has netted three or more goals in a game – to take his tally to 21.

Ford said: “When I signed Ricky in the summer (from Ardley United) I knew exactly what I was going to get, so there are no surprises for me.

“I think he is just enjoying the chance to play and score goals back in the Southern League.”

With the Puritans’ strikeforce in form, forward Louis Joyce has gone on loan to Oxford City Nomads, the club from he was signed, while midfielder Nick Kalakoutis has left the club.

His next destination could be Wantage Town, whose manager Stuart Cattell looks to strengthen his side ahead of the visit of Yate Town.

The Alfredians have confirmed the signing of defender Amadeu Arnau, with two more – one of whom is believed to be Kalakoutis – expected to join before tomorrow’s match.

Jimmy Deabill is out with a foot injury.

Manager Mark Gee has a full-strength North Leigh side to choose from aat home to Swindon Supermarine, following a disappointing defeat to Bridgwater Town, which saw the Millers drop to sixth.

“This is probably the first time all season that we’ve been out of the play-off places and we want to get back in there,” said Gee.

Goalkeeper Leigh Bedwell has pledged his future to Didcot Town after turning down two offers from rivals.

Bedwell is expected to line up for the Railwaymen at Evesham United tomorrow, despite attracting the interest of other clubs “We’ve had a couple of seven-day approaches come in for Leigh and we’re very pleased that he’s turned both of them down,” said player-manager Andy Ballard.

“It’s really good to know that he wants to be with us.”

TOMORROW’S SQUADS

Banbury Utd (v Bashley, away): from Harding, White, Steedman, Martin, Wise, Westbrook, Gunn, Stanbridge, Bell, Browne, Nash, Howards, McEachran, Blackstock, Welch-Hayes, Barcelos.

Wantage Tn (v Yate Tn, home): from Cavanagh, H Whitehead, Elliott, Cattell, Collier, Carbon, Thorne, B Whitehead, Glover, Clark, McGlynn, Hulbert-Thomas, Ferris, Barder, Evans, Johns, Amadeu.

North Leigh (v Swindon S’marine, home): from Foster, Hole, Elkins, Westlake, M Williams, Osborne-Ricketts, Turk, McNish, Saunders, Linford-Pill, Davies, Else, Cook, Seacole, White, Fullerton, L Williams.

Didcot Tn (v Evesham Utd, away): from Bedwell, Learoyd, Organ, Carnell, Longford, Ballard, Janes, Edney, Woodley, Dutton-Black, Collins, Thompson, Powell, Gannon, Reid, Francis.