TEENAGE striker Dwaine Strong has made a dramatic recovery from the infection which saw rushed into hospital - and could even line up for Oxford City against Marlow in the Ryman League Cup second round at Court Place Farm tonight.

The highly-rated 18-year-old forward, who has been attracting a host of scouts, was taken to Didcot Hospital last Thursday night before being transferred to the Churchill Hospital, Oxford.

It was originally thought he had a hernia and may require an operation, but it transpired that he was suffering from an infection and was detained until Saturday evening.

City manager Paul Lee, who will make a late decision on whether Strong plays tonight, said: "He was in an awful lot of pain. They put him on an antibiotic drip and he will be on a course of antibiotics for a month."

But definitely in the starting line-up is Peter Moss, a 22-year-old striker who Lee signed from Highworth Town last night.

City's boss said: "He is a goalscorer, strong and quick, and it is an ideal opportunity to have a look at him."

Lee is set to make at least seven changes following City's 2-0 defeat at Bedford Town on Saturday.

As well as Moss and possibly Strong, there are also starting spots for Gavin Rose, Matty Whitehead, Chris Potter, Nigel Emsden, Tate Hulbert and Andy Smith.

Meanwhile, City have released striker Carl Bartley, who signed only two weeks ago from Canvey Island. He has joined Croydon.

Oxford City: from Foster, Morrisey, Peirson, Smart, Hayward, Dark, Sweeney, Lee, Wimble, Davy, Hulbert, McCleary, Smith, Emsden, Rose, Potter, Moss.

Army men Jason McLaughlin, Scott Hannah and Nobby Clark are back as Abingdon Town bid to gun down Premier Division Aldershot Town in their second round tie at Culham Road.

The trio were all unavailable for Saturday's 1-1 draw at Corinthian Casuals due to a services game.

Chris Johnson also returns following suspension and Billy Sutherland is available again, but Anthony Burden is cup-tied and Tristan Didcock is out with a knee injury.

Abingdon manager Bob Rayner is hoping the reputation of Aldershot, who only bowed out of the FA Cup with a 2-0 defeat at Exeter on Saturday, will spur on his side.

"I am sure our players will raise their game because they are really up for it," he said. "My most difficult job is who do I leave out."

Meanwhile, Lee Smith has left Abingdon to re-join Carterton Town.

Abingdon Tn: from McLaughlin, Jenkins, Connell, Brown, Clark, Woodley, Hannah, Johnson, Campbell, Charles, Cleevely, Wyatt, Wells, Sutherland, Bevan.

Story date: Tuesday 23 November

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.