ARDLEY United player-manager Paul Spittle is looking to his young side to rise to the occasion when they take on Thame United in the Oxfordshire Cup semi-final at Oxford City tonight (7.30).

Spittle believes he has some useful prospects in his Hellenic League Division 1 line-up, and feels that the clash with the Ryman League Division 1 high-fliers gives them a chance to show their mettle.

The 35-year-old, who played for Thame during Bob Pratley's reign, said: "The youngsters have worked really hard and hopefully they won't freeze on the night."

Spittle is set to play but another former Thame player Dave Southam (hamstring) is doubtful, while Michael Maciak, Andy Crawford and Dave Taylor face fitness tests.

Striker Jefferson Louis is available for Thame again following a three-match ban, but John Mitchell and Terry Morrisey face fitness tests.

Ardley Utd: Taylor or Pipkin, Durrant, Warr, McCalmon, Peirson, Crawford, Moss, Spittle, Parsons, Ayres, Williams, Wright, Townsend, Maciak, Manley, Southam.

Thame Utd: from Moores, Joe, G Williams, Brown, Tregurtha, A Williams, Perna, Jones, West, Cort, Mitchell, Fontaine, Sherwood, Morrisey, Emsden, Saulsbury, Avery, Louis.

Teenager Huwie Evans takes over the No 1 jersey for Witney Town's clash with Dartford in the Dr Martens League Eastern Division at Marriotts Stadium with Kevin Alder still out with an eye injury.

Lee Ashton, a 20-year-old midfielder recently released by Bristol City, comes into the squad.

Witney Tn: from Evans, Fricker, Organ, Tavinor, Muttock, Murphy, Merritt, Redknap, Caffel, Waters, Abercrombie, Neville, Swann, Ashton.

Story date: Tuesday 11 April

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