FOOTBALL: Fog came to our rescue (From The Oxford Times)

FOOTBALL: Fog came to our rescue

11:00am Friday 11th January 2013 in Football By Nick Farrant, Sports reporter specialising in Non League Football. Call me on 01865 425488

Abingdon United boss Richie Bourne admitted the elements saved his team and wants to cash in on their change of fortune at home to Winchester City in Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West tomorrow.

Bourne’s side were trailing 2-0 at Swindon Supermarine on Wednesday, only for the game to be abandoned after the break because of thick fog.

“Their goals were down to two mistakes by us, so I gave them a rollicking at half-time,” said Bourne.

“But when we went out we couldn’t see a thing.

“It was a blessing for us, a bit of luck, so we’ll be going all out for a win on Saturday.

“If we win, it gives us a big lift for the trip to Paulton on Tuesday.”

They will be without striker Aaron Woodley (thigh strain), though Steve Davis is added after rejoining.

Didcot Town manager Gary Elkins could give a debut to Ricky Allaway if they can sign him in time from Cirencester Town ahead of their clash at Wimborne.

Elkins is keen for a repeat of their display in the 3-2 midweek Red Insure Cup win at Shortwood United.

He said: “It was a good result and I was pleased with our performance.

“I was surprised with Shortwood. I expected it to be tougher.

“It means that in our last five games, we have won three, drawn one and lost once and that was against Hungerford Town.”

Meanwhile, Andy Lyne has been appointed Didcot’s general manager.

North Leigh boss Mark Gee has praised John Mills ahead of the trip to strugglers Sholing.

Mills, who had not scored for 11 games, was on the mark in Tuesday’s 4-2 home defeat by Cinderford Town in the Red Insure Cup.

“I was pleased for Millsy and pleased for us that he scored,” said Gee. “John will always score goals because that’s what he does and I knew his run would end soon.

“He scored a goal and, apart from Conor McDonagh, he’s the only one that’s done that, so he’s in the squad.”

North Leigh will be without Tom Franklin (suspended).

Banbury United have signed striker Leon Simpson from Leighton Town ahead of their visit to Bideford in the Premier Division.

TOMORROW’S SQUADS

Abingdon Utd (v Winchester, home): from Foster, Baker, Taplin, Halliday, Thomas, Evans, Tucker, Nowell, Whitehead, Self, Kingston, Davis, Riccio, Christodoulou.

Didcot Tn (v Wimborne, away): from Belloli-Pereira, S Elkins, Carnell, A Stanley, Casson, Osborne-Ricketts, Heapy, Meade, C Williams, M Williams, Hepburn, Haysham, Tappin, Bernascoli, Pereira.

North Leigh (v Sholing, away): from Warrell, Hole, Organ, Turk, Caton, Else, Bowles, McDonagh, Sanders, Hopkins, Brooks, Walcott, Brooks, Mills, Westlake, Alexis, Clark.