Witney Town boss Brian Hughes has held clear-the-air talks with his players in preparation for their first-round tie against Harrow Borough at Marriotts Stadium tomorrow, writes Russell Smith.

It's understood that a number of Town players were unhappy following last week's 3-1 home defeat by Corby Town when they discovered their wages had additional tax deductions.

Hughes said it was an internal issue and refused to elaborate, but he has held a meeting with the players about the matter and to try and resolve their poor home form.

He said: "We had to have a meeting and put them straight and we just had a chat to try and clear the air. We are a naturally quiet side and we probably lack a little bit of leadership.

"I have asked the senior players to take more responsibility and the younger ones have got to come out of their shells, but we will be OK."

Meanwhile, Hughes is hoping that Witney could get a lift after it was revealed this week that talks are taking place which could lead to a Reading-based company taking out a lease from chairman Brian Constable to run the club.

"The place needs picking up. The ground doesn't entice people to come and watch it is a very atmosphere-free place," he added. Midfielder Jason Caffel (ankle) is expected to return against Ryman Premier Division Harrow, but defender Steve Tavinor (thigh) is struggling and Darren McCluskey (knee) is out.

Midfielder Chris Fontaine is unavailable for Thame United's tie at Ryman Division 1 rivals Worthing due to family commitments.

Leading scorer Mark West (toe) faces a late fitness, but is expected to play.

Thame came from a goal behind to beat Worthing 3-1 at Windmill Stadium during their sequence of 12 straight wins, and joint manager Andy Sinnott is aware the Sussex club will be out to avenge that defeat.

"It was a bit of a fiery match, so there will be a little bit of an edge to the game," he said. "They will want revenge."

An extra incentive for Thame is that victory could give them a trip to face local rivals Oxford City, whose tie at Folkestone Invicta, of the Dr Martens Premier Division, is in some doubt after part of the Kent club's stand was damaged by this week's storms. City boss Paul Lee has the welcome problem of having virtually a full squad to pick from with on-loan striker Mark Druce, midfielder Simon Abercrombie and centre back Michael Thorp fit again following injury.

Lee will be looking for a repeat show of City's performance when they won 5-1 at Worthing last Saturday. "Our result at Worthing was the best of the season. We passed the ball for fun," he said.

Former Oxford United midfielder Les Phillips (back) and left back Nick McCrae (hamstring) face fitness tests before Banbury United's tie at Ryman Division 1 bottom club Barton Rovers.

Youngsters Chris Jackson and Mark Essex stand by to come into the side.

Despite Barton's plight in the league, Banbury boss Kevin Brock is expecting a tough tie. "I am told it's not the best place to go. They are a very physical side," he said.