Thame United midfielder Justin Merritt is set to return to action for the first time in six weeks when Thame United host Ryman League Division 1 North rivals East Thurrock United at Windmill Stadium tonight.

Merritt, who suffered a recurrence of a knee injury in their defeat by neighbours Oxford City on Boxing Day, came through the reserves' 1-0 win over Ashford Town on Saturday unscathed. He is added to the squad which drew 1-1 at Great Wakering on Saturday.

Thame boss Mark West said: "We have missed Justin - he's the player who makes the team tick.

"He has worked hard at the gym and will add solidity to the side, and of course experience, which we are lacking."

West, whose side have lost once in their last four games, said he expected a physical game against East Thurrock, who won 3-1 when the sides met in Essex on the opening day.

He added that he was delighted with Saturday's draw.

"After training, we did a bit of work with the blackboard for about 15 minutes to show where we were going wrong and where we could improve, and that seemed to pay off against Great Wakering."

Thame Utd : from Smith, Mills, Joyce, Saulsbury, Williams, Avery, Perna, Mitchell, Stewart, Death, Jones, Goffe, Hocking, Freeman, Merritt, West, Chowns.