Cherry Red Records Hellenic League preview

BICESTER Town boss Eddie Nix has snapped up midfielder Michael Simpson and defender Craig Blake from Ryman League side Arlesey Town, writes KIEREN BUSHNELL.

The pair go straight into the squad for Bicester's trip to high-flying Carterton Town in the Premier Division on Saturday (Nov 30).

Simpson, who is the son of Bicester chairman David, has also played at Stevenage Borough.

Goalkeeper Steve Roberts starts a suspension, so Lewis Butler takes over in goal.

Brothers Jamie and Marc Jackson and Stuart Huxley are all available again as North Leigh bid to reach the semi-finals of the Cherry Red Records Cup when they entertain Shortwood United.

Striker Adam Hamp is cup-tied, while there are minor doubts over skipper Gary Murphy and Nick Forrester.

Abingdon United host high-riding Highworth Town in the last eight, and will be keen for revenge following a 5-1 home mauling by the Wiltshire side in the Premier Division recently.

Richard Peirson returns after recovering from a head injury, while Darren Beckett has opted to stay at Northcourt Road, having turned down the chance of a move.

Mark Rees is home from university and is added to the squad for Letcombe's home derby clash with Wantage Town in the Supplementary Cup.

Mark Delacoze is also back in action, having recovered from a long-term ankle injury.

SATURDAY'S SQUADS

North Leigh (v Shortwood Utd, home): from Alder, Murphy, Lewis, Huxley, Burnell, Ellis, J Jackson, Maisey, Bott, Burnley, Forrester, Grant, M Jackson, Panter.

Abingdon Utd (v Highworth Tn, home): from Wilkins, Curtin, Beckett, Marriott, Peirson, O'Hara, Hooper, Thompson, Fontaine, D Moss, P Moss, Dorrian, Riley, Brandon, Organ, Ridley.

Letcombe (v Wantage Tn, home): from Game, Goddard, Simms, McCullough, Jelinski, Roberts, Fairchild, Patten, Whittle, D Rees, Brind, Whatley, M Rees, Burry, Delacoze.

Bicester Tn (v Carterton Tn, away): from Butler, Peake, Ward, Blake, Thomas, Lissiter, Ayris, Simpson, Hopcroft, Bone, Jenkins, Wallis.

Carterton Tn (v Bicester Tn, home): from Heritage, Allen, Smailes, Butt, Dodds, Mortimer-Jones, Lewis, Hamill, Holder, Clarke, Henry, Jordan, Cottill, Sherwood, Rogers.