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STRUGGLING Division 1 West side Witney Academy have appointed Oxford United legend John Shuker as their new manager after Paul Lewis left the Marriotts Stadium outfit for the second time in 12 months, writes KIEREN BUSHNELL.
Shuker takes the reins for Witney's home game with Middle Barton on Saturday along with new assistant, George Frizzell.
Lewis resigned after his son, Ryan, signed for Oxford United. It is understood that he wants to help Ryan to achieve his dream of playing professional football. It's almost a year to the day since he last left the club by mutual consent.
Middle Barton keeper Guy Smith is on holiday, and so Chris Coles has been brought in from the reserves.
Carterton Town will give a late fitness test to defender Steven Gray ahead of their home match with Yate Town in the Premier Division. Gray is suffering from a knee injury. Jamie Cole (holiday) and Brindley Spence (work) are definitely out.
Meanwhile, boss Andy Slater has put in a seven-day approach for Witney Academy midfielder Pete Leahaire.
Stuart Fox serves the final week of his suspension and misses Bicester Town's trip to high-flying Bishop's Cleeve.
Didcot Town's title hopes will be given another stern test when they travel to fellow high-fliers Gloucester United.
Matt Bianchini makes his comeback for the reserves following a hip injury, and striker Kevin Cox remains sidelined with a foot injury.
North Leigh will look to capitalise on Wootton Bassett's slump in formas they visit the Wiltshire club.
Bassett were thrashed 9-2 at home by Yate in the league cup last Saturday, and with North Leigh gunning for top spot, boss Mark Gee names an unchanged squad for the third week in a row.
Abingdon United will hope to bounce back from their midweek blues when they visit Cirencester Academy.
They will be without suspended trio Wayne Harbert, Robbie McNeill and Adam Hamp.
Wantage Town keeper Paul Belcher is the only doubt for their home clash with Pegasus Juniors as he is suffering from a groin injury.
Clanfield once again have selection problems ahead of their Division 1 West clash with Headington Amateurs at Radcot Road.
Neil Barrett is doubtful through injury, while Richard Bell (family bereavement) and Steve Wright (house move) are ruled out. Headington have a full squad to pick from for the first time this season.
Kidlington's squad has been decimated ahead of their home game with leaders Hook Norton with the Oxfordshire youth team calling up James Philpot, Luke Holden, Steve Litten, Owen Bunce and Danny Mason.
Hooky boss David Risato names a full-strength squad.
Michael Maciak (ankle) and Ausman Butt (knee) are both sidelined for Ardley United's trip to Chipping Norton Town.
Russell Paice (ankle) is the only injury doubt for Old Woodstock, who entertain third-placed Purton. Michael Dove goes straight into the squad after signing from Witney Academy.
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