Oxford City boss Andy Sinnott says his side face the biggest test of his managerial reign when they take on Ryman League Division 1 high- fliers Leyton at Court Place Farm tomorrow.

But they will have to do it without defender Andy Ballard, who has been ruled out for two weeks with a pelvic problem.

Sinnott said: "Andy thought the problem was over when he came for training, but it was obvious he was still struggling. We have decided to give him a bit more rest as a precaution.

"He loves playing football, but I think sometimes he plays too many games. He's an exciting talent, so you've got to hold him back a bit."

Sinnott, who took over in December following the resignation of Paul Lee, said: "The Leyton game will be a good measure of how far we have progressed since I came here."

Justin Lee should shake off a hamstring injury in time to play his first home game since returning from Ban- bury United.

Thame United player- manager Mark West has warned his side against complacency at basement boys Barking.

Although the east London side are bottom of the league, they pulled off a shock midweek win at ninth-placed Harlow.

Midfielder Justin Merritt returns after injury and striker Alex Stewart is available again.

Joey Beauchamp, who hit a hat-trick last week, is highly doubtful for Abingdon Town's home game against leaders Dorking.

The ex-Oxford United winger, who has a leg injury, has only a 50-50 chance of playing as does his brother Luke (ankle), while Stewart Douglas is a doubt (leg).

Joe Brewerton is on holiday.

Banbury United are without a game.

TOMORROW'S SQUADS

Oxford C (v Leyton, home): from Benbow, Benbow, Cruse, Dark, Antonowicz, Brown, Whitehead, Ferreira, Shepherd, Prescott, Harper, Wise, Lee, Hamp, Champelovier, Crosby, Smillie, Lewis.

Thame Utd (v Barking, away): from Smith, Mills, Joyce, Saulsbury, Williams, Avery, Perna, Freeman, Merritt, MC Jones, Mitchell, Stewart, Hirotaka, Death, Hocking, Goffe, Chowns.

Abingdon Tn (v Dorking, home): from Hearmon, Douglas, Tompkin, Clare, Davis, Johnson, Scanes, Charles, L Beauchamp, Clarke, J Beauchamp, Steadman, Butler.

North Leigh boss Mark Gee has questioned the OFA's decision to play his team's Oxfordshire Senior Cup semi-final tie with Oxford United at Court Place Farm - where the U's reserve team play their home games.

Gee, whose team made the last four with a 3-0 win over Witney United, said: "I would imagine we would bring this up with the OFA, because I think it gives them an advantage."