HENRY Owen is back for a second spell at Kidlington, but this time in a non-playing capacity.

A former player who had to retire with a chronic knee problem, Owen becomes joint assistant manager with Jermaine McSporran.

He will take his place in the dug-out for the first time in tomorrow’s Evo-Stik South League West Division derby with North Leigh at Yarnton Road.

Boss Julian McCalmon is delighted to have Owen back in the fold.

“Sadly, Henry has had to call time on his playing career, but he has a knowledge of the game that exceeds his years,” he said.

“We are delighted to have him back.”

Roger James (ankle) will miss out against his former club, while Mark Bell (hamstring) is also ruled out.

North Leigh welcome back Ryan Paddock, Graham Bryan and Dejon Noel-Williams, and boss John Brough is hoping to build on last week’s 1-1 draw with Wimborne Town.

He said: “We got a positive performance last week and a local derby should be a bit spicy.”

Didcot Town boss Andy Ballard praised new signing Felipe Barcelos after the striker scored on his debut at Evesham last weekend.

Barcelos netted in Didcot’s 2-0 win and Ballard was quick to single out the Brazilian ahead of tomorrow’s home clash with Bishops Cleeve.

He said: “I was extremely pleased with the result and performance.

“Felipe did everything I expected of him. He worked hard and capped his display with a very well-taken goal.”

Didcot can stretch their unbeaten run to three games tomorrow, but Ballard is expecting an entirely different sort of game.

“The result last week should really boost our confidence, but we will need to be really disciplined.

“I expect us to have a lot of possession, but we may need to be patient.”

Sam Elkins and Seth Humphries are unavailable, while David Murphy and Sam Parish return from injury.

In the East Division, Thame United face a stern test against high-flying Ashford Town.

The visitors arrive at the ASM Stadium with an unbeaten away record, while Thame have won only once at home.

Boss Mark West was frustrated after last week’s 4-2 reverse at Cambridge City – a game which he believes they should have got something from.

“There wasn’t much between us at all,” he said.

“We had all the play in the first half, but let in a silly goal just after we equalised.

“They then went on and scored three goals from crosses, which frustrated me.

“We are scoring plenty of goals, but we really need to sharpen up defensively, we are letting in far too many.”

Nick Harrison is set to return from a thigh injury, but John Dennis (ankle) is ruled out.

Luke Ricketts and Ben Connolly are still away on holiday.

TOMORROW’S SQUADS

Kidlington (v North Leigh, home): from Tetek, Warrell, Quainton, Eddie Odhiambo, Wharton, Franklin, Brown, Castle, Gabbidon, Eric Odhiambo, Williams, Coyle, Willoughby, Anaclet Odhiambo, Whitehead, Janes, Browne, James, Martin, Osborne-Ricketts.

North Leigh (v Kidlington, away): from Agboola, Lymn, Hopkins, James, Keightley, Wellon, Mendes, Paddock, Williams, Thomas, Seacole, Waldon, Grabe, Wood, Price, Mattock, Carroll, Bryan.

Didcot Tn (v Bishops Cleeve, home): from Bedwell, Barder, Jeacock, McNeil, Cattell, Learoyd, Reid, Pin, Woodley, Joyce, Ballard, Parish, Mortimore, Murphy, Barcelos, Alexis.

Thame Utd (v Ashford Tn Middlesex, home): from Hill, Murray, Lynn, Smyth, Hercules, Sturgess, Connell, Goss, Morris, West, Johnston, Gledhill, Evans, Harrison.