Struggling Witney United have been plunged back into crisis after manager Richard Hill resigned.

Hill, who took over at the end of January, oversaw an upturn in the club’s fortunes.

But his decision to quit has rocked their bid to escape relegation and left chairman Steve Lake shocked.

Lake said in a statement: “It is with great regret after just ten games in charge that Richard Hill has resigned with immediate effect.

“No explanation was given for his sudden and surprise resignation – other than it was not for poor results.

“In his short tenure, Hill managed five wins and two draws as Witney pulled away from the Hellenic League Premier Division drop zone.”

The statement continued: “The club would like to thank Richard for all he has achieved during his brief time with Witney United and for the professional way in which he conducted himself.”

Hill added: “I’m very disappointed because I’d really enjoyed the job. I suppose I’ve shot myself in the foot because it doesn’t look good leaving so soon. But there are circumstances behind it.”

The Oxford Mail understands that Hill’s resignation has come as a result of a fall-out with a club official, but neither he or Lake would go into further detail.

Pete Bridgewater has been put in temporary charge until a new boss is appointed.

Witney travel to Old Woodstock Town on Saturday and welcome back Paul Tassell in goal, after he missed the midweek 2-1 defeat at Thame.

Darren Queegan is unavailable.

Kidlington, still jubilant from their midweek Oxfordshire Senior Cup victory over Carterton, turn their attentions to the Premier Division title race at Thame United tomorrow.

Kidlington booked their place in the final of the county cup for the first time in their 100-year history with a 2-0 win on Wednesday, thanks to goals from Anaclet Odhiambo and Danny Mason.

They will meet either Oxford United or Banbury United in the final.

The win came at a cost, however, with both Mark Baker and Ben Weedon rated doubtful after picking up knocks.

Jimmy Deabill and Jordan Parker are unavailable, but Ryan Curtin returns after being cup-tied.

Abingdon Town have doubts over Mark Janes and Liam Barson, who both have ankle injuries, ahead of their trip to leaders Ardley United.

Lewis Coyle (sickness) is also struggling, but Lance Williams and Daryl Harris return.

This evening, Wantage Town entertain Oxford City Nomads.

Danny Keen faces a latest fitness test, while Matt Biddle (knee) is definitely out.

In Division 1 West, leaders Headington Amateurs welcome back Jay Hill for their trip to Hook Norton.

SATURDAY'S SQUADS Witney Utd (v Old Woodstock Tn, away): from Tassell, Nagy, Boxer, Steedman, Blenford, McNally, McCormack, Lonsdale, McKeon, Tustain, Allmond, Wright, Colwell.

Kidlington (v Thame Utd, away): from McNamara, C Weedon, B Weedon, Leggett, Mason, Perkins, Willoughby, Quainton, Baker, Odhiambo, Flanagan, Styles, Woodbridge, Castle, Geary, Anderson.

Abingdon Tn (v Ardley Utd, away): from Hutton, Howard, Warne, Alder, Reid, Gabbidon, Barson, Coyle, Gass, Thomas, Williams, Janes, Harris, Denton, Gordon, Davis.

Wantage Tn (v Oxford City Nomads, home, tonight, 7.45pm): from Tucker, Rowe, Belcher, Cattell, Dewar, Malton, Jones, Hodgkins, Claydon, Edney, Butler, Austin, Cottrell, Broad, Langford, Wallbridge, Keen.

Headington Ams (v Hook Norton, away): from Jenkins, Smith, Zaja, B Cuff, Brown, Morbey, A.Williams, Hill, Jacob, Hafiz, L Cuff, Cirilo, McCuaig, Pearce, Buckle, Lockhart.