SHEPHERD Murombedzi will feature in Banbury United’s FA Cup first qualifying round tie at Bishops Cleeve tomorrow, waiting to hear if he might be given a chance to play in the Football League.

Murombedzi spent two days on trial at Sky Bet League One side Leyton Orient this week, but is yet to discover what the future holds.

“I understand he did well,” said boss Paul Davis.

“But as is always the case with things like this, it takes a week or so to find out exactly what the situation is.”

Banbury picked up their first Southern League Premier Division win of the season at home to Dorchester last Saturday, before losing at Hungerford in midweek.

They now face a Bishops Cleeve side bottom of Division 1 South & West and without a win so far this season.

“We were very good on Saturday, but Hungerford are a good side and will finish in the top six,” Davis added.

“We will be favourites on Saturday because we are in the higher division, but both sides are bottom of their respective leagues.”

Tom Ryan is a doubt.

Wantage Town boss Gary Ackling has three players back for their trip to Flackwell Heath.

Bradley Shaw (injury), Richie Guy and Jimmy Deabill (both work commitments) missed Tuesday’s defeat at Stratford Town, but come back into the squad.

Karl Roberts starts a three-game ban, on-loan Lee Henderson is unable to play, but centre half Jack Smith has joined from Eastleigh and can feature.

“We played well in midweek and the 4-1 scoreline flattered them,” Ackling said.

“But Flackwell disposed of North Leigh in the last round and will be eyeing a shock.”

There is certain to be one Oxfordshire Hellenic League side in the second round as Abingdon United entertain loacl rivals Milton United at Northcourt Road.

Thame United host Burnham and Ardley United travel to Slough Town.

TOMORROW’S SQUADS

Banbury Utd (v Bishops Cleeve, away): from Bedwell, Cray, Mzungwana, Fishwick, Westbrook, Evangelinos, Howards, Hawtin, Shama, Walcott, Browne, Murombedzi, Katsoloudi, Houston, Tappin, Ryan, Wickham.

Wantage Tn (v Flackwell heath, away): from Farrow, Smith, Sadler, Steedman, Millward, Shaw, Lachacz, Barder, Melledew, Deabill, Guy, Riccio, Tucker, Davis, Cattell, Johns, Haist.

Meanwhile, Mark Gee has warned his North Leigh side about the attacking threat of rivals Stratford Town ahead of tomorrow’s Southern League Division 1 South & West clash.

The Millers entertain the high-fliers buoyed by an impressive 2-1 victory over fifth-placed AFC Totton on Wednesday night.

But Gee knows they will need to be at their best once again if they are pick up maximum points.

“They score plenty of goals and counter-attack very well indeed,” Gee said.

“We played very well in midweek, we had pace and power and it was a good result.”

Gee is looking to strengthen his squad and is already in discussions with potential targets.

“We are talking to a couple of players and will see what comes from that,” he said.

“Traditionally it is a time when we look to add to what we’ve got here, but it’s a case of seeing who is available.

“We will strengthen at some point, it’s just a case of in which positions and when we can do it.”
Gee names an unchanged squad  as his side look to climb from ninth spot.

TOMORROW’S SQUAD

North Leigh (v Stratford Tn, home): from Bullman, Hopkins, Turk, Gunn, Hole, Caton, McNish, Williams, Sanders, Osborne-Rickets, Westlake, Bowler, M Woodley, Seacole, Hughes, Gee.

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