Paul Powell could make a shock comeback for Didcot Town, should boss Gary Elkins get his wish.

Powell, 34, last played for Didcot in September 2009, but Elkins feels that the former Oxford United defender still has a lot to offer the game.

Earlier in the season, Powell, who turns out for North Berks League side Didcot Casuals, agreed to register with the Division 1 South & West outfit and now Elkins is hoping the ex-U’s left back will pull on his boots again.

“We’ve got older players like Richard Peirson and Jamie Heapy, but the rest are 18-22, so Paul would be a fantastic addition with all his experience.

“I’ve known Paul for years and am a great fan of his, and have been on his case about playing again.

“I really believe he can still play and can be a massive asset, but now it’s a case of trying to persuade him to play again. He’s a great lad and gets on well with everyone here.”

Didcot are without Richard Peirson and Alex Stanley (both away) at home to Cinderford Town in the FA Carlsberg Trophy first qualifying round tomorrow. Gareth Thomas returns to the squad.

Elkins has made former Oxford City coach Dougie Graham has assistant boss and Ian Concannon first-team coach.

Banbury United manager Ed Stein has hailed the return of defender Wayne Blossom.

The central defender is back after a spell at Oxford City, and is added to the squad for the visit of Wimborne Town.

Stein said: “He was desperate to come back because he felt he could add something. I’m delighted we could do a deal.”

Meanwhile, Stein is backing his side to bounce back after their 8-1 thrashing at Stourbridge.

He added: “It was pretty devastating because I have never been involved in a result like it.

“Having put so much into the win against Chippenham, the players did not have enough recovery time.

“Saturday’s game is really important. The players need to keep working hard.”

Jack Ashton returns for Banbury after a hamstring strain, though Ricky Johnson is in talks with Leamington. North Leigh manager Mark Gee is confident his team will not let their FA Cup win against Havant & Waterlooville distract them at home to Sholing.

He said: “It’s not a big job bringing them down to earth because we have players that have experienced it before.

“But Sholing are always a threat.”

John Else returns to the side.

TOMORROW'S SQUADS

Didcot Tn (v Cinderford Tn, home): from Belloli, Heapy, Elkins, Henderson, Osborne-Ricketts, L Williams, Clark, Bowles, M Williams, Tappin, Haysham, Thomas.
Banbury Utd (v Wimborne Tn, home): from Cross, Cray, Blossom, Howell, Plowright, Ashton, Sage, Polk, Lawlor, Woodley, Talabi, Coronado, Kusi, Fry, Lorraine. 
North Leigh (v Sholing, home): from Warrell, Hole, Organ, Turk, Franklin, Caton, Walcott, Alexis, Mills, Sanders, Hopkins, Else, Deabill, Coyle, Westlake.