Former Oxford United star Billy Jeffrey is plotting the downfall of his old club when the Banbury United boss takes his side to the Kassam Stadium for Tuesday night’s Oxfordshire Senior Cup final.

Jeffrey, whose side are just a point from safety in the BGB Southern League Premier Division, said the match had come at just the right time.

“It’s actually a welcome release from the league,” said Jeffrey, who played for the U’s in 1970s, where he became a firm favourite with the fans.

“It will give the lads a chance to relax, so it’s quite good for us. But we’ll be looking for a win and will be putting our strongest side out.

“It was a bit disappointing to draw against Merthyr with that late goal on Saturday and this game gives us a chance to get the players’ heads back up.”

Jeffrey, who will be without Howard Forinton (broken ribs) and Ben Milner (cup-tied) said he was relishing taking on United, who will field senior players and youngsters.

Jeffrey added: “It’s nice to come back. Obviously, it’s not the Manor, but it will be nice to see what the ground is like to play in.

“I still know quite a few people from when I was here, mainly the people in the office. I know Les Taylor (U’s youth development officer) as we both came through from the youth team.”

Meanwhile, Oxford City give a late test to Alex Fisher (hamstring) when they visit Brackley aiming to boost their Premier Division play-off ambitions.

A win by two clear goals, would see them leapfrog Hemel Hempstead into the last play-off spot.

Assistant manager, Mike Ford, said: “I spent the weekend working out what could happen. I stared at the league table for an hour and it didn’t change!

“If we win our last two games then we would be in the play-offs, barring a miracle from Hemel, who play Gloucester on the last day.”

Didcot Town boss Stuart Peace has described their home clash with Thatcham as his side’s “cup final.”

They will be without defender Ian Sampson (knee injury).

Didcot need a point to seal a Division 1 South & West play-off berth, but Peace said: “I don’t know how anyone can set out for a draw – we’ll be going out to win. It’s our cup final.”

Defender Martin Brown (groin) and striker Neville Roach (knee) should recover from injury in time.