Didcot Town boss Stuart Peace says an “open and frank discussion” with his players led to him being persuaded to stay in the hot-seat at Loop Meadow Stadium.

Peace, Didcot Town’s most successful manager, had planned to step down following the defeat to Swindon Supermarine last week.

But he was persuaded to stay after talking to players and chairman John Bailey.

Peace, whose side host Chippenham in the first round of the Red Insure Cup on Tuesday, said: “What I said to the players stays in the dressing room, but it’s fair to say we had an open and frank discussion about what I expect from them and what they need to do.

“If things don’t change, then I will make changes.”

Michael Alexis (thigh) is ruled out of tonight’s clash, while Elliot Osborne-Ricketts (back) and Andy Gunn (hamstring) are also doubtful.

Peace added: “Because we haven’t got a massive squad, I’m selecting pretty much every player that is available.”

Oxford City manager Mike Ford hopes his side can now kick on after finally picking up a win at Banbury on Saturday.

It was City’s first success in 19 league and cup games, and Ford says it’s important to get that winning habit.

He said: “It’s been a frustrating season that’s for sure. There’s been bitter disappointment that we haven’t started better.

“But Saturday was a start. We need to kick on now. We’ve picked up five points in our last three league games.”

City host Division 1 South & West outfit Thatcham tonight, but Ford insists he will pick his strongest side.

“It’s all about momentum,” he said. “There’s no-one going to be rested. You can’t gain momentum if you do that.”

Aaron Woodley plays his last game before his return to parent club Oxford United.

Banbury United boss Billy Jeffrey wants a much-improved display away to Division 1 South & West side Abingdon United.

Jeffrey was furious with his side’s showing in Saturday’s 2-0 defeat by Oxford City.

“I was very disappointed with us. Our lads have looked at City’s position and thought this is going to be easy.”

Banbury will be without Aynsley McDonald (back).

Abingdon received a boost after skipper Tom Melledew rejected a move to Thatcham.

Boss Richie Bourne said: “I’m delighted he is staying, it’s is great news for us.”

Meanwhile, Bourne praised his side after they ended a run six defeats in a row with a 2-0 win at Paulton.

Bourne added: “The lads were terrific. It was a great result and thoroughly deserved.”

North Leigh travel to Cirencester.

TUESDAY'S SQUADS Oxford City (v Thatcham Tn, home): from Burton, Clarke, Ashton, Savage, McIlwain, Blossom, Lyon, Kington, Pritchard, Malone, Lennon, O’Hara, Kinch, Davis, Woodley.

Didcot Tn (v Chippenham Tn, home): from Warrell, Ramos, Costello, Gunn, A Williams, Stanley, Dutton-Black, Heapy, Osborne-Ricketts, M Williams, Huggins, Hopkins, Connolly, Bartley, Draycott, Longford, Tabor.

Banbury Utd (v Abingdon Utd, away): from Murrell, Stanbridge, Cray, Gordon, Learoyd, Oulton, Staff, Benjamin, Sharif, Taylor, Martin, McDonald, Cross, Power, Mbmarah.

Abingdon Utd (v Banbury Utd, home): from Beames, Elkins, Organ, Carnell, Franklin, Davis, Gardner, Harper, Melledew, Mills, Odhiambo, Horsell, Beechers, Barnes, Peirson.