Striker Mark West has been named as Thame United's assistant manager just hours before the Ryman League Division 1 leaders take on local rivals Oxford City at Court Place Farm tonight (7.45).

The 24-goal marksman forms part of Thame's new management team following the sacking of joint manager Alan Thorne for disciplinary reasons.

He will be on the same level as first team coach Pete Lamont, with the pair working alongside manager Andy Sinnott.

Thame's boss said: "Mark has a wealth of experience at non-League level and it is a first step into management which we are pleased to offer him.

"I am sure he can have as successful a career in management as in his playing days.

"I want to stress that myself, Pete Lamont and Mark will be working as a management team. Pete's duties don't change. He is vital part of what we are doing."

West, 34, who was an apprentice with West Ham before having a brief spell at Reading, made his name with Wycombe Wanderers.

He was a prolific marksman for the Chairboys, scoring the winner in the FA Trophy final and helping take them into the Nationwide League before moving on to Slough and then Farnborough.

His appointment couldn't be more timely as Thame seek a boost after their title bid has hit a rocky patch.

Thame are further lifted by the return of former City midfielder Chris Fontaine following suspension.

Meanwhile, City have been hit by suspensions to central defender Richard Peirson and striker Dwaine Strong .

Strong starts a three-match ban for being sent off against Bromley, while Peirson is out for one match after picking up five bookings.

The pair's loss is a big blow to City, but manager Paul Lee is still looking for his side to pick up three points against to keep alive their own outside hopes of promotion.

He said: "We need to win most of our games to stand any chance and although we respect them we don't fear them because we have beaten them on the last two occasions."

Oxford City: from Foster, Smith, Dark, Thorp, Emsden, Ferreira, Whitehead, Druce, Wise, Wimble, Lewis, Waterhouse, McMahon, Gray, Hayward, Sweeney.

Thame Utd: from Moores, Jones, Williams, Bradley, Brown, Avery, Merritt, West, Swaysland, Fontaine, Perna, Mitchell, Minton, Potter, Smith.