OXFORD City have signed midfielder Ben Islam, and he comes into the squad for the first qualifying round tie against Didcot Town at Court Place Farm tomorrow, writes RUSSELL SMITH.

Islam is without a club after being released by Northampton Town where he used to be on a scholarship.

He will provide cover for Michael Lyons, who strained a hamstring as City beat Frome Town 2-0 on Tuesday to go second in the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division. Manager Mike Ford said: “He has been with us a couple of times, and he will come into the squad because Michael plays a particular role for us and I am not sure I have anyone in the group who can play the same role.

“He has a good knowledge of the game and a good technique, so I am sure he will do well.”

City will be hot favourites for the game as not only are they flying high, but Didcot – who could include former City favourite Richard Peirson – are struggling in Division 1 South & West following a 5-0 hammering by North Leigh.

But Ford knows only too well the FA Cup has a habit of throwing up shocks.

“I was part of an Oxford United group that went to Marlow on a Sunday afternoon and that went pear-shaped for us,” he recalled.

“For me it is about attitude and we have been very respectful of all our opponents this year because we know they will be difficult tests every week and it is exactly the same against Didcot.

“I think some wounded sides are more difficult to play against than some in decent form.”

Joe Burnell returns from suspension as North Leigh bid to pull off an upset at Ryman League Premier Division bottom club Leatherhead.

Burnell has served his ban after being sent off at Sholing last month, and comes back into a squad bubbling with confidence following their Didcot demolition job.

Leatherhead are at the foot of the table after picking up just one point from six games.

North Leigh manager Mark Gee said: “It looks a tough draw because they are in the Ryman Premier, but their form has not been fantastic.”

Mark Flanagan (ankle) and Toby Clark (Achilles) face fitness tests.

Striker Sam Collier is cup-tied for Abingdon United’s trip to Leighton Town, having already played in the competition for Wootton Bassett Town.

With a doubt over Sean McKeon’s availability, Abingdon could be short of frontmen.

However, Ben McReady is back from suspension and Michael Buck comes into the squad after playing 90 minutes in midweek for Cove where he is dual registered.

Curtis Angell faces a fitness test on a groin strain.

Leighton are second from bottom in Evo-Stik Southern League Dvision 1 Central, and Abingdon manager Richie Bourne, with one eye on the winners being guaranteed at least £3,000, said: “It’s a game both sides feel they can win, and on the day it will be who can step up to the mark, and hopefully it is us.”

Thame United will be out to spring a surprise when they face Brackley Town at the ASM Stadium.

The Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division club could include former Thame favourite Jefferson Louis.

Thame assistant manager Frank Thompson said: “We will certainly be underdogs for the game, but we are confident that we can give a good account of ourselves.”

Banbury United are at home to Slough.