Cherry Red Records Hellenic League preview round-up

CARTERTON Town have been boosted by the news that Scott Taylor will not be required to do an RAF tour of duty in the Middle East after all, writes KIEREN BUSHNELL.

The star striker returns to the squad for tomorrow's Premier Division game against Fairford Town at Kilkenny Lane.

Manager Andy Slater expected Taylor to be missing for up to 90 days, but the forward was sent home from Oman in midweek.

James Mortimer-Jones has a bruised calf and faces a late fitness test, as does defender Brynley Spence who has an injured foot.

North Leigh have a full strength squad to pick from for their top-of-the-table clash with Didcot Town.

The sides have already met twice in the Floodlight Cup, with North Leigh winning through 5-1 in the replay on Tuesday. They also meet again next Saturday in the Complete Music Cup.

Didcot will have Andy Marriott, Danny Lawton, Ian Concannon and Jon-Paul Bailey back for the league clash after resting niggling injuries. However, Matt Bianchini (hip) and Simon Kelly (knee) are non-starters.

Kevin Read is still ruled out for Wantage Town with an ankle injury as they travel to Henley Town. Liam Breen is unavailable, while Chris Roche is rated 50-50 with a thigh strain.

Chipping Norton Town defender Joe Cockcroft could be out for a month after damaging a shoulder. He misses Chippy's Division 1 West trip to Clanfield, along with striker Robbie Wyatt, who is still suspended.

After impressive displays in the reserves, goalkeeper Peter Lowe should make his first appearance of the season in Kidlington's home game with Witney Academy.

For Witney, Dan Cox has recovered from a shoulder injury, while David Cooper returns after recovering from medial knee ligament damage.

Ardley United are missing Michael Maciak for their home game with high-flying Pewsey Vale.

Maciak is suffering from strained ankle ligaments. Also out are Lee Sharkey and Robbie Carlisle due to bans.

Midfielder Russell Wilkins is back from suspension as Hook Norton look to return to winning ways against Old Woodstock Town. Mark Agnese is ruled out with a dislocated knee and keeper Steve Bates is having a match for the reserves to determine his fitness.

Centre forward Carl Harris is back for Woodstock, having been unavailable for two weeks while Mark Sherlock is staying at the club after turning down a move to Hook Norton.

Headington Amateurs have a defensive crisis ahead of their home game with Malmesbury Victoria. Ben Wales is at a wedding, while Darren Varley is ruled out with a hamstring injury. Robert Tutton is recovering from an operation on his nose.

Middle Barton, on a high after last week's 3-2 win at Winterbourne, are without Sean Keogh and Paul Anderson for the home game with Letcombe.

James Baskerville (back) is a long-term injury, but there is good news for midfielder Keith Harrison, who is back in training after an Achilles injury.

In Division 1 East, Milton United, buoyed by a recent upturn in form, host Hounslow Borough, while Quarry Nomads travel to Chalfont Wasps.