BANBURY United manager Paul Davis is hopeful that, even if his side fail to pull themselves out of the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division relegation zone, they could still avoid the drop.

The number of teams to be relegated has already been reduced to three following the mid-season withdrawal of Hereford United, but further financial problems could mean another club is spared relegation.

“There are a couple of teams in trouble financially and, unfortunately at this level, you do quite often see teams go under,” he said.

“If that was to happen this summer we need to make sure we’re in a position to take advantage of it.”

The Puritans are eight points adrift of safety with three games to go and five behind Arlesey Town who occupy the last relegation position, ahead of tomorrow’s match at home to Histon.

But Davis remains confident after picking up seven points from their last four games.

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“To still be in with a chance of survival with three games to go is something I would definitely have taken two months ago,” he said.

Hicham Abdellah returns after a hamstring injury.

Banbury’s rearranged fixture at home to Slough Town, which was abandoned at halftime last October, will finally be played next week after the Buckinghamshire club withdrew their appeal against the Southern League’s decision to replay the match.

TOMORROW’S SQUAD

Banbury Utd (v Histon, home): from Bedwell, Walcott, Cray, Meade, Ryan, Green, Martin, Tahin, George, Howards, Fishwick, Weston, Tappin, Amegnaglo, Browne, Westbrook, Lewars, Daffern, Isaac, Abdellah.