Oxford City could be without four key players for tonight's Oxfordshire Senior Cup semi-final against Witney United at Marriotts Stadium.

Definitely out are skipper Martin Brown (thigh) and fellow defender Robin Antonowicz (toe), while striker Colin Simpson (back) and midfielder Andy Ballard (groin) are doubtful.

With Chris Harper already sidelined for the season with a knee injury, it leaves City desperately short of experience in what is a crucial week.

On Good Friday, they host derby rivals Thame United, followed by a trip to Ashford on Bank Holiday Monday.

Injuries saw City finish with only ten men on Saturday as they lost 3-1 at Brackley, after having already used their three substitutes.

Now they are just four points from the Southern League Division 1 West relegation zone.

"I'm not using the injuries as an excuse for the Brackley result, but they had a bearing on the game - that's the spine of my team," said Sinnott.

"The OFA rang up to get a team yesterday and it was almost impossible to give one!"

"I will be putting out a side against Witney that will compete. We want to win the game.

"It's an important game and gives the winners the chance to meet Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium.

"Having said that, I would willingly swap three points for having got into the semi-finals. It's a massive week for us. The Thame game is very much a priority. My job is to ensure we stay in this league."

The semi-final is Witney's biggest game since they re-formed.

As Witney Town, there were many classic battles between the two rivals, and while City are struggling, Witney hold a comfortable mid-table position in the GLS Hellenic League Premier Division.

Former City striker John McMahon (groin) is Witney's only doubt, leaving manager Alan Clark with a full squad.

"We're still big underdogs, and we have nothing to lose. We're not expecting to win, but we will give it our best shot," said Clark.

"I know there was a lot of history between City and Witney Town, and I'm sure there will be a good atmo- sphere.

"We are a well-supported club, and although we still have a long way to go to reach the same level as Witney Town, we are certainly finding our feet now.

"It would be a great boost to reach the final."

Darren Pond is Banbury United's only doubt as they host second-placed Histon in the Southern League Premier Division.

The teenage striker is undergoing intensive treatment on a bruised hip.

Manager Kevin Brock said: "He could hardly walk after Saturday's game, but we're hoping an ice pack will help."

Brock's side are only six points from the relegation zone after a 2-1 defeat at Aylesbury on Saturday.

"Histon are a very strong side, they beat Shrewsbury in the FA Cup, so it will be a tough game," he said. "I think they'll win the league."

TONIGHT'S SQUADS

Oxford City (v Witney Utd, away): from Finlay, Durrant, Abbasi, Hewlett, Steadman, Brandish, Freeman, Perna, Ballard, McLeary, Simms, Douglas, Butler, Hedger, Barisic, Jelly.

Witney Utd (v Oxford City, home): from Purcell, Dingle, McMeeking, Grainge, Smith, Saunders, Clark, Coles, McMahon, Keyes, Wyatt, Wright, Knight, Reynolds, West, Alder.

Banbury Utd (v Histon, home): from Tricker, Fuller, Jackson, Sullivan, Essex, McKay, Gooderick, O'Neill, Blossom, Forinton, Redknap, Potter, Pond, Mackay, Stanbridge, Burnham, Brock.