FOOTBALL: Elkins hails Henderson return (From The Oxford Times)

FOOTBALL: Elkins hails Henderson return

11:00am Friday 15th March 2013 in Football By Nick Farrant, Sports reporter specialising in Non League Football. Call me on 01865 425488

Didcot Town boss Gary Elkins has hailed the return of Lee Henderson after the defender completed his recovery from a double leg fracture.

The centre back, 21, hasn’t played since suffering the injury in the 2-1 home defeat by Swindon Supermarine on November 13, but is added to the squad for tomorrow’s visit of Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West high-fliers Merthyr Town.

“It’s fantastic to have him back,” said Elkins. “It’s like signing a very good player.

“He’s an excellent player with fantastic pace. We’ve missed him,.

“Prior to him getting injured, we were in the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup and still in the FA Trophy, but we have been inconsistent since we lost him.

“He’s very positive about playing. I was quite shocked when he said to me ‘ I want to be on the bench on Saturday’.

“Although Lee is a naturally fit lad, he hasn’t had full contact yet. “That first challenge will be on his mind, but once he has done that he will be fine.”

Fellow defender Lance Williams could be added if he gets the all-clear after complaining of chest pains in the 4-0 loss at Winchester on November 27 as will striker Pablo Haysham should he pass a test on a hamstring injury.

With keeper Marcos Belolli-Pereira unavailable, Craig Griffiths makes his first home appearance after making his debut in Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at Poole Town.

North Leigh manager Mark Gee is looking for his players to keep up the good work when they travel to Shortwood United.

The Millers made it five wins on the spin with a 2-1 win at Tiverton on Tuesday and while he agrees a play-off spot looks a tough ask, Gee said it was vital they didn’t take their foot off the gas.

“It can happen (making the play-offs), but realistically we can’t,” said Gee. “But we’re not giving up yet. If other teams implode in front of us, we have to be ready to take advantage.”

Michael Alexis, Andy Caton and Conor McDonagh return to North Leigh’s squad, but James Organ is away on a stag weekend.

Abingdon United travel to Cinderford Town, while Banbury United host Cambridge City in the Premier Division.

Tomorrow’s squads

Didcot Tn (v Merthyr Tn, home): from Griffiths, Heapy, Stanley, Bernasconi, Allaway, McKirnan, M Williams, Osborne-Ricketts, Meade, Carnell, M Janes, S Elkins, Wray, Henderson, Haysham, L Williams.

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