Oxford City boss Mike Ford says he won’t rush Nick Townsend back from a knee problem, and risk not having a keeper for Wednesday week’s Oxfordshire Senior Cup final against Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium.

The stopper, who is on loan from Birmingham City, suffered the injury against FC Halifax last Tuesday, and is doubtful for tonight’s Blue Square Bet North clash with Gainsborough Trinity.

Although Juan Martin has performed well in his place, he is cup-tied having played for Oxford City Nomads.

Ford added: “Juan is cup-tied, so I don’t want to be in a position next Wednesday where I have no keeper, so Nick won’t be risked.”

Meanwhile, Ford says the players can grab a place in the team for the final by maintaining their good form in the last three league games.

City passed the 50-point mark on Saturday with a 3-1 win at already-relegated Droylsden, and Ford is looking for a strong finish.

“I will pick my best team for Wednesday’s game,” said Ford. “How my players perform in the last three games will dictate who plays.

“They are fighting for a place in that team and if I was a player I would want to be playing in that cup final.”

City are also without Andy Ballard (suspended) until the end of the season.

North Leigh welcome back skipper Stuart Hole when they travel to Shortwood United in Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West looking to end a run of three straight defeats.

Hole missed the 2-0 defeat at Mangotsfield United on Saturday.

They will be without Andy Caton (unavailable).

TONIGHT’S SQUADS

Oxford City (v Gainsborough Trinity, home): Martin, Benjamin, Stonehouse, Malone, Learoyd, Willmott, McNish, Pond, Basham, Cook, McEachran, Bell, Barcelos, Stanley, Gunn, Joyce, Townsend.

North Leigh (v Shortwood Utd, away): from Warrell, Turk, Alexis, Franklin, Westlake, Hole, Walcott, Bowles, Mills, McDonagh, Dutton-Black, Sanders, Organ, Else, Brooks.