Centre back Michael Thorp looks set to be missing for holders Oxford City as they take on Witney Town in the Oxfordshire Senior Cup semi-final at Thame United tonight (7.30).

The former Reading defender is away on a course, and is not expected to get back on time.

However, the versatile Andy Smith has now recovered from a hamstring strain which has forced him to sit out the last four games, and is set to take over at the heart of the defence.

Striker Dwaine Strong is expected to play after surviving a scare when he stepped on a nail at work on Friday.

It's always a keenly-contested affair when the two clubs meet, but this clash has extra spice with City's new assistant manager Andy Lyne, the former Witney boss, on duty with his new club for the first time.

City duo Shaun Wimble and Tate Hulbert are also set to face their old club for the first time.

Witney, meanwhile, include three former City players in Gary Murphy, Jason Caffel and Jon Muttock.

City manager Paul Lee said: "I watched them in the previous round against North Leigh, so we know all about them and their players know all about ours. If we play as well as we are capable of, I don't see any problems."

New Witney boss Gerry Pearson admits to knowing "absolutely nothing" about City, but is relishing the prospect of pitting his new charges against the holders.

He said: "We are all up for it and with Andy Lyne going there, it has added more flavour to the game."