Hook Norton player-manager Karlton Stratford, who suffered an horrific double leg fracture earlier this month, is on the road to recovery – thanks to a special boot, writes NICK FARRANT.

Stratford, 42, broke the tibia and fibula in his left leg during their FTL Futbol Hellenic Premier Diviision game against Milton United which was staged at Banbury United.

During the operation, plates were fitted to his injured limb. After the plaster was removed he was given a special boot which allows him to exercise his foot, although he is not allowed to put his foot to the ground for the next nine weeks.

England midfielder David Beckham wore something similar when he was recovering from a broken foot while playing for Manchester United in 2002.

Hook Norton spokesman Geoff James said Stratford had been overwhelmed by the number of goodwill messages he had received.

Stratford’s assistant James Foote, plus Terry Callow and Ben Spiero, are now preparing their team for tomorrow’s trip to Oxfordshire rivals Kidlington.

Meanwhile, JP Mills, Jason Bower, Dean Smith, Dean Moss, Andy Younie and Ryan Williams return for Witney United after suspension, injury or non-availability when they host Old Woodstock Town in their West Oxfordshire derby encounter.

Oxford City Nomads aim to cement third place in Division 1 West when they host Trowbridge Town.

Saturday's line-ups Witney Utd (v Old Woodstock Tn, home): from Barrett, J Smith, D Smith, Henderson, Moss, Pilling, Byfield, McMahon, Bowler, Lewis, JP Mills, J Mills, Williams, Curtin, Wickens, Thompson, Younie.

Oxford City Nomads (v Trowbridge, home) Barisic, Quegan, Lewis, Meade, Colwell, Moses, M Sackey, L Sackey, Shaw, Njogu, Roper, Rendell, Pitson, Forbes, Masawi, Numinen,Carbon, Powell.

Wantage Tn (v Shrivenham, away): from Simms, Rowe, Wallbridge, Swann, Learoyd, Belcher, Langford, Guy, Keen, McCullough, Jones, McKeon, Illsley, Horsell.