Oxford United defender Mark Creighton hopes to get the better of his old boss Mark Yates when the U’s try to extend this season’s four-game un-beaten away run at Cheltenham Town tonight (7.45).

And ‘The Beast’ is relishing the npower League Two clash with the Robins because Cheltenham Town defender Martin Riley has been staying in Creighton’s house for the last few months.

Creighton explained: “I’ve known Martin for some time. We played together at Kidderminster and became good friends.

“He’s staying in my house because it’s much closer for him. But he’s been struggling with a hamstring injury the last two weeks so won’t be playing tonight, which is a shame.

“He’s not really told me anything about Cheltenham’s team this year, because we knew this fixture was coming up and he doesn’t want to give anything away. And I’m the same.

“It will be good to see my old Kiddy boss Mark Yates as well, and it will be nice to try to put one over him.”

Creighton added: “Four away games without defeat is a decent run. They’ve been difficult away games as well, and so will this. We just want to see if we can keep it going.”

United have certainly managed to keep it tight away from home. In 13 of their last 14 away games, there have been two goals or less.

But for tonight’s all-ticket clash, they will be without skipper James Constable, who serves a one-match ban for his red card in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Crewe.

Jack Midson seems likely to take over the central striking role.

The U’s also have a doubt over Josh Payne, who is hoping to recover from a facial injury to play against a club where he spent three months at the end of 2008.

The midfielder’s left eye closed up after he was accidentally caught in the face at Gresty Road on Saturday.

There is no lasting damage and United are optimistic Payne will be fit to continue.

He was very popular at Whadd-on Road when, as a 17-year-old, he played 13 times for Cheltenham, scoring once, before returning to West Ham where he then went onto the bench.

Cheltenham could have Josh Low back from a calf injury after he missed the last two games, but as well as Riley, defender Frankie Artus is out, with a cracked fibula.

Cheltenham boss Yates has threatened major changes after their 2-0 home defeat by Bury at the weekend.

Before that, they had won three in a row at home, but they have not won away so far this campaign.

Yates said: “It’s a bonus for us that Constable is suspended because he is a quality player. He plays on the edge, but you’d like him in your team.

“He gives you everything, scores goals, works hard and it’s handy he isn’t playing.

“But they have plenty of quality players to bring in.

“Creighton was my captain at Kidderminster and a trem-endous player for me. We certainly won’t be taking Oxford lightly because they have come up from the league below.”

Cheltenham Tn: (from) Brown, Lowe, Gallinor, Elliot, Andrew, Pook, Melligan, Low, Smikle, Thomas, Jeffers, Goulding, Pack, Bird, Shroot, Weston, Lewis, Haynes.

Oxford Utd: (from) Clarke, Purkiss, Worley, Creighton, Tonkin, Heslop, Payne, Hall, Potter, Midson, Craddock, Green, Baker, Cole, Kinniburgh, Clist, Deering, Eastwood, Franks.

Meanwhile, young Oxford United striker Aaron Wood-ley is joining Oxford City on a month’s loan.

And the 18-year-old from Abíngdon, who has shone for United’s under 18s this season and been a regular for the reserves, is set to play for City in a friendly against Easing-ton Sports tonight.

U’s boss Chris Wilder said: “Aaron is doing well and is progressing nicely.

“Over the next month or so the fixtures work out that we don’t have many reserve matches, so it is good for him to go out and get games somewhere he will be looked after and where we can keep an eye on his progress.

“It works well for everyone concerned and we think it will do Aaron good to play matches and hopefully score a few goals.”

Oxford City have struggled in front of goal this season, finding the net just four times in nine games.