Thame United joint boss Andy Sinnott wants his players to keep expressing themselves and not go into their shells as the battle for the Ryman League Division 1 title hots up, writes Richard Tilley.

Sinnott urged his league leaders to be positive ahead of Tuesday night's derby with Aylesbury and it worked as they won 1-0 to go six points clear at the top.

Tomorrow, Thame travel to basement boys Barton Rovers a side they battered 11-3 at Windmill Stadium earlier this season and Sinnott is anxious for his team to keep up the good work.

"It's no secret that we've had a couple of poor results lately," he said. "When that happens, it's easy to get negative and play safe.

"But you have to be positive and be prepared to take a few risks to win football matches. We don't want anyone going into their shell that's not what got us to the top.

"There's nothing wrong with playing with confidence, arrogance even. After all, we're top of the league.

Sinnott admitted that Tuesday's victory was an important one.

"It blew the cobwebs away," he said. "We could have been vulnerable against derby opponents and in that weather, but we came through and we're back on track."

Midfielder Justin Lee is the one doubt, having aggravated a thigh injury in the win over Aylesbury. Dave Champ and Alex Minton come into the squad.

Matt Hayward, Terry Sweeney and Andy Smith return to Oxford City's squad for the visit of Romford in Division 1.

The trio have all been out with long term injuries, and their presence should give City a boost as they bid to step up their promotion challenge.

Abingdon Town's Division 3 game at unbeaten Lewes looks set to go ahead despite the latest deluge to hit Sussex.

Town chairman Phil Evans reported: "I spoke to them last night and they said there was a bit of water in one corner which they would get off today."

Goalkeeper Jason McLaughlin, centre back Scott Hannah and midfielder Roger Charles return to the squad.

It's a swift rematch after the clubs drew 1-1 at Culham Road just 12 days ago a game in which Martin Shepherd was sent off.

TOMORROW'S LINE-UPS

Thame Utd (v Barton Rov, away): from Moores, G Williams, Potter, Brown, A Williams, Avery, Merritt, West, Swaysland, Perna, Minton, Lee, Mitchell, Fontaine, Smith, Champ.

Oxford City (v Romford, home): from Foster, Ferreira, Dark, Peirson, Thorp, Wise, Lewis, Whitehead, Druce, Organ, Wimble, Strong, Emsden, Waterhouse, Hayward, Sweeney, Smith, Abassi.

Abingdon Tn (v Lewes, away): from McLaughlin, Thomas, Price, Shepherd, Burden, Watts, Charles, Morgan, Beauchamp, Paterson, Twine, Hannah, Cleeveley, Gill, Beames, Douglas.