Football: North Leigh eye promotion bid

Premier Division title hopefuls North Leigh have set their sights on promotion to the Dr Martens League.

Secretary Barry Norton said the club had applied to the Hellenic League's ground grading committee to inspect their Eynsham Park ground.

"We have been asking for the information about what improvements would be necessary, and whether it's feasible to do it this season," Norton said.

Hellenic League officials will visit the ground within the next fortnight, and if North Leigh get a favourable report, they will then apply to the Southern League's grading committee to inspect the ground and advise on the development required.

"What is in doubt, is whether we can get all the checks done before the April deadline, and of course, whether our landlords would allow us to upgrade our facilities," said Norton.

Meanwhile, North Leigh can give their title hopes a boost by winning at struggling Almondsbury Town tomorrow.

Gary Murphy surprisingly played in last week's 4-4 draw against Brackley after shaking off the effects of tendonitis, and is expected to be fit again.

Didcot Town have signed Brackley Town captain Darren McNamara.

The 28-year-old midfielder, who has a wealth of experience with Oxford City, Marlow, Abingdon Town and Witney Town, could make his debut at home to table-topping Yate Town tomorrow, although he is carrying an injury.

Striker Dwaine Strong (thigh) is also doubtful.

Abingdon United are boosted by the return of Mark O'Hara and Chris Hooper from suspension for their trip to Pegasus Juniors.

Adam Oram is back in contention, while Jason Maciak and Danny Riley will have late fitness tests.

Meanwhile, defender Mark Essex has joined the club from Dr Martens League outfit Banbury United.

Wantage Town defender Paul Bedwell returns from suspension for their home clash with Tuffley Rovers.

However, Chris Whitworth starts a ban, and Liam Breen is on holiday. Dave Mulford and Paul Broadis are added to the squad.

Bicester Town have a crucial basement battle at home to Harrow Hill.

They have signed Nick Neil from Brackley Town, and boss Barry Grant says his players need to put behind them their two cup exits from last week, and pick up three points.

In Division 1 West, Middle Barton, now unbeaten in 15 games, are at full strength as they take on Kidlington at Worton Road.

Chipping Norton Town include Wayne Beauchamp and Shane Peedle for their trip to Ardley United.

Ardley welcome back Kevin Alcraft, who was cup-tied last week. Robbie Carlisle has recovered from injury and returns to the starting line-up, but Mark Corbett (virus) and Greg Thorley (hamstring) are rated 50/50.

Ardley have signed defender Gary Clifford, who has played in the League of Wales for Inter Cardiff.

Russell Paice returns from holiday and goes straight into Old Woodstock's squad for their home game with Headington Amateurs.

Steve Brandon faces a late test on a groin injury.

Jason Hunt returns from suspension for Clanfield's trip to leaders Hook Norton, who have skipper Karlton Stratford back from a ban.

Meanwhile, Hooky have signed Portuguese striker Bernado De-Leca, who has played for Coventry University.

Quarry Nomads hope to build on their excellent 1-0 Oxon Senior Cup win over Premier Division Bicester Town when they travel to high-flying Martin Baker Sports in Division 1 East.

Fowler at the helm Middle Barton boss Tim Fowler has been rewarded for his side's fine form by being asked to manage the Division 1 West represenative side for their annual match against Division 1 East at Milton United on Tuesday, March 12.

Tomorrow's Hellenic Squads Abingdon Utd (v Pegasus Jnrs, away): from Joshua, Shelton, Riley, Brandon, T Smith, N Smith, Peirson, Thompson, Harbert, Simms, Hamp, Maciak, Jenkins, Ridley, Oram, O'Hara, Hooper, Essex.

Bicester Tn: (v Harrow Hill, home) from Darvill, Simon Fox, Stuart Fox, Cresswell, Hammond, Schooling, Lynch, Lissiter, Please, McGillycuddy, Johnson, Marshall, Darch, Nix, Neil, Bone, Davis.

Didcot Tn (v Yate Tn, home): from Walker, Thomas, Beaven, Cooper, Heapy, Marriott, Jones, Bailey, Oglesby, Concannon, McNamara, Strong, Hoey.

North Leigh (v Almondsbury Tn, away): from Alder, Murphy, Lewis, Huxley, Pearman, Hendra, Hughes, Maisey, J Jackson, M Jackson, Timms, McCabe, Hutter, Ellis, Burnley, Burnell.

Wantage Tn (v Tuffley Rvrs, home): from M Pryde, Grey, Broad, Bedwell, Pettis, Culley, Eltham, Burke, Spiero, Newport, Jones, Baker, Mulford, Broadis, Roche, K Pryde.

Ardley Utd (v Chip Norton, away): Harris, Bough, Wright, Goldthorpe, Meredith, Kimber, Beavon jnr, Beavon snr, Alcraft, Davison, Gardner, Green, Clifford, Carlisle, Cox, Spittle.

Chipping Norton Tn (v Ardley Utd, away): from Prentice, C Dore, Mills, Cockroft, Archer, Beauchamp, Jeffery, Corbett, Peedle, Wyatt, Helby, Massie, Thorley, O'Hare, Sultane, Hutchinson, Shadbolt, Robson, A Dore.

Clanfield (v Hook Norton, away): from Woolford, Hunt, Whalley, Podbury, Miller, Wright, Wilsker, Court, Osborne, Steedman, Barrett, R Pratley, McFarlane, S Pratley, Brazier, Hunt, Cross, Musty, Brewer.

Hook Norton (v Clanfield, home): Townsend, Pope, Farley, Willis, Lester, Thomas, Stratford, Donovan, Shawyer, Butler, Tree, Barlow, Kay, AN Other.

Middle Barton (v Kidlington, home): from Smith, Eldridge, Beale, Shepherd, J Bedford, Anderson, Robey, Bott, Hambis, Fraser, Warr, Redknap, Baskerville, Pickup.

Old Woodstock (v Headington Am, home): from Mole, Brandon, Bishop, Harris, Clarke, Tarry, Busby, Flashman, Sherlock, Keyes, Dove, Cook, Hall, Fitzgerald, Paice.

Quarry Nomads (v Martin Baker Sports, away): from Kinch, Elbrow, Lawrence, Hambridge, Simms, James Ford, Hutt, O'Callaghan, Maisey, Justin Ford, Brackett, Cooper, Thomas, McMahon, Bateman, Fox.