Oxford City are involved in a tug of war with Ryman League Division 1 North rivals Thame United for their skipper James Saulsbury.

Ex-Thame boss and now City chief Andy Sinnott, who is in talks with the 22-year-old defender over a move to Court Place Farm, said: "I have known James for years. I gave him his senior Thame debut and made him captain.

"He has played well over 250 games and it is fairly unusual for someone of his age to have that experience.

"He is a smashing lad, and conducts himself well, both on and off the pitch. He is just the sort of person we need.

"It's a difficult decision for James to make, but whatever he decides, I will respect it."

Thame boss Mark West, whose side are without a game tomorrow due to opponents Arlesey's involvement in the FA Trophy, said he was determined to hold on to Saulsbury.

"He's very important to us as a player and as club captain," said West. "We are hoping he will stay, but it's up to him."

West said he was confident of keeping defender Tony Joyce, a target of Premier side Aylesbury.

Sinnott is hoping to sign midfielder Neil Champelovier from United Counties side Woodford United, though he would be unlikely to get him in time for tomorrow's home game with Uxbridge.

City will be without the suspended Adam Hamp and Neil Crosby, as they seek their fourth successive win.

Sinnott said: "Now we have broken our home hoodoo, perhaps we can relax a bit more.

"But we will have to be wary, because Uxbridge will be desperate to beat us. Our win there still rankles."

Ex-Oxford United winger Joey Beauchamp could make a return to the Abingdon Town side having re-signed for the Division 2 club.

Beauchamp, 32, was forced to give up the professional game due to a persistent toe injury, though has been playing for Real Islip in the Oxford City FA, and Barton Reserves in the Oxford Sunday League.

Town boss Paul Berry, whose side drew 5-5 with Kingsbury on Saturday, said: "I'd be happy with a 1-0 win. We've been working quite a bit on defending this week, and hopefully it will pay off."

Town will be at full strength.

Banbury United will be without defender Wayne Blossom (suspended) when they travel to seventh-placed Folkestone Invicta.

Striker Scott Taylor has joined Hellenic League leaders Didcot Town on loan.

TOMORROW'S LINE-UPS

Oxford C (v Uxbridge, home): from Benbow, Cruse, Smillie, Ballard, Antonowicz, Brown, Shepherd, Lewis, Whitehead, Prescott, Harper, Ferreira, Wise, Dark, Craker, Baker.

Abingdon Tn (v Leighton Tn, away): from Hearmon, Aldworth, L Beauchamp, Tompkins, Davis, Johnson, Scanes, Brewerton, Joyce, Clarke, Butler, Hough, Douglas, J Beauchamp.

Banbury Utd (v Folkestone, away): from Tricker, Sullivan, Allen, Fuller, Jackson, Stanbridge, Billington, Robinson, Lee, Potter, O'Neill, Eldridge, Redknap, Simms, Stidder.