Banbury United boss Kieran Sullivan has been dealt a blow less than a month before their British Gas Business Southern League Premier Division campaign starts.

Five key players Ben Milner (ankle), Scott Bridges (knee), Terry Fitton (knee), Lewis Travers (hamstring) and Tommy Kinch (ankle) are all under treatment for injuries.

But Sullivan is hopeful they will all be back for their Premier Division opener against Oxford City on August 16.

"I am optimistic that they will recover in time," said Sullivan, whose injury-ravaged squad host Hook Norton tomorrow in their latest pre-season friendly.

"There is nothing to say they will be out for the rest of the season - a week to two weeks tops.

"They should be back for the end of pre-season."

Striker Nicky Gordon is expected to return in time for the City game from America where he is coaching.

Old Woodstock Town will entertain fellow new boys Chalfont Wasps on Tuesday, August 12, in their opening FTL Futbol Hellenic League game.

Wantage host Almondsbury the next day.

The league have chosen the midweek start - and not the usual Saturday - to give teams taking part in the FA Cup the chance to play a competitive game.

General manager Brian King said 22 Hellenic clubs, including nine from Oxfordshire, were playing in the FA Cup extra preliminary round on August 16.

King added that a number of years ago teams went straight into FA Cup action having played just pre-season friendlies, which he felt put them at a disadvantage.

"This just gives them a chance to get a game under their belts," he said. "There is no ulterior motive behind it."

HELLENIC LEAGUE OPENING DAY FIXTURES.

Premier Division.

Tuesday, Aug 12: Abingdon Tn v Flackwell Heath, Bicester Tn v Shrivenham, Carterton v Reading Tn, Fairford v Harrow Hill, Highworth Tn v Witney Utd, Hungerford v Ardley Utd, Marlow United v Kidlington, Milton Utd v Hook Norton, Old Woodstock Tn v Chalfont Wasps, Pegasus Juniors v Shortwood Utd.

Wednesday, Aug 13: Wantage Tn v Almondsbury Tn.