Didcot Town manager Gary Elkins says teenager Mike McKirnan could keep his place when they host Mangotsfield United in Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West tomorrow.

The 17-year-old, a youth team regular, made his senior debut in Tuesday’s 1-0 home defeat by high-fliers Merthyr Town, impressing Elkins.

“He played in central midfield and he did really well,” he Elkins.

“Merthyr had some big experienced players in there and he didn’t look at all out of place. “They are the best side we have played against this season and I thought we defended really well.

“In the first half we were under the cosh with numerous crosses and corner coming in, but we took the game to them in the second half.”

Didcot will be without Sam Elkins (back injury), Tom Wray and Joel Meade, who are both unavailable, while Elliott-Osborne Ricketts faces a late fitness test on a thigh.

Abingdon United host Paulton Rovers at Northcourt Road as they look to bounce back from Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat at Cinderford Town.

TOMORROW’S SQUAD

Didcot Tn (v Mangotsfield, home): from Griffiths, Stanley, Carnell, M Janes, Heapy, Henderson, M Williams, Bernasconi, McKirnan, Allaway, T Janes, Harris, Noble, Osborne-Ricketts.