Returning centre half Chris Willmott says Oxford United are doubly determined to win at Cambridge tomorrow night because they don't want to lose top spot to Dagenham - and especially on the eve of their FA Cup showdown.

The former Wimbledon and Northampton defender is set to come back into the U's side at the Abbey Stadium following a one-game ban for collecting five bookings.

And the Nationwide Conference game at their varsity city rivals takes on even greater importance now that United's lead at the top has been cut to two points.

With Dagenham & Redbridge boasting a better goal difference - 23 to 21 - nothing but a win tomorrow will ensure Oxford that hold onto their position at the top of the table.

A draw could let in the Daggers to take over at the top if they then beat Kidderminster Harriers at home on Saturday.

Willmott said: "I don't know yet if I'll be selected for the side after missing out last week, but obviously I hope to be back in the team.

"We've got to look to start winning games again and we need to make sure we win at Cambridge if we want to stay on top.

"Dagenham have done well to narrow the gap, they haven't lost for a long time now and have been on an incredible run.

"But we are unbeaten and we can't lose sight of the fact that it's been a fantastic start for us."

Oxford and Cambridge have had dozens of tough battles against each other in countless different sports, and the two Uniteds have crossed swords in some fiercely fought Football League matches over the years.

This is their first Conference confrontation and Willmott is expecting a hard game, with all their opponents desperate to be the first team to beat Oxford this season.

"We haven't really come across any easy games this season," he said. "We've had to battle hard in all of them.

"Cambridge lost at home to Crawley last Saturday and that could make them even more dangerous."

* Tickets for the Dagenham FA Cup game will go on sale tomorrow at midday. They were due to arrrive this morning, but delivery has been delayed.

Season ticket holders have until 5.30pm on Monday, October 23, to purchase them, one per season ticket. Tickets go on general sale on Tuesday from 9am.