Oxford City boss Mike Ford has hailed the patience of midfielder Michael Alexis by handing him his first start for weeks in tomorrow’s FA Carlsberg Trophy first qualifying round tie at Chesham.

The former Oxford United youngster, who suffered a broken leg 18 months ago while playing for Abingdon United, gets his chance as Liam Malone faces a suspension.

Malone was sent off against Cirencester, four days after he was red-carded for two bookings at Evesham.

“Liam’s available, but I am going to leave him out and give Michael a game,” said Ford.

“Michael is playing in the FA Cup game next Saturday and I thought it would be unfair to pitch him straight into such a big tie without a game.

“He is fully fit and has had no problems with his injury.

“His attitude has been first-class. I have said to the players, particularly those who have been left out, that their opportunity would come.

“He’s now got his chance to make sure Liam is wearing the No 12 shirt when he is available again.”

He added: “From the first day of pre-season onwards he has been a credit to himself. A lot of lads would have been out the back door if they weren’t getting picked.

“But he has been patient and waited for his chance.”

Didcot Town could be without Josh Dutton-Black for up to three months after suffering a medial knee ligament injury against Banbury.

As well as Dutton-Black, Michael Bartley (hip), Morgan Williams (calf) and Andy Williams (heel) face late fitness tests ahead of the home game with Cambridge City.

James Mortimer-Jones (knee injury) is out, but Philip John is added after rejoining.

Meanwhile, keeper Matt Trott has signed a new deal.

Boss Stuart Peace said: “We’re down to the bare bones and this weekend’s game was already going to tough.”

David Stone and Jack Ashton are set return from ankle injuries when Banbury United host Bridgwater.

Ben Milner is also available as the Puritans look to extend their unbeaten run to ten matches against the Division 1 South & West side.

“To get those two back would be a great boost and give me a full squad to choose from – a nice problem to have,” said boss Billy Jeffrey.

Abingdon United are without Julian McCalmon (banned) at Ryman League Division 1 side Northwood.

Elliott Osbourne-Ricketts should return from an ankle injury.

Assistant boss Richard Peirson said: “I played for Brackley at Northwood last year and expect them to be equallystrong.”

SATURDAY'S SQUADS Banbury Utd (v Bridgwater Tn, home): from Murrell, Redknap, Martin, Learoyd, Haisley, Coleman, Benjamin, Taylor, Stanbridge, Gardner, Forinton, Ashton, Stringfellow, Stone, Milner.

Didcot Tn (v Cambridge City, home): from Trott, Sampson, Brown, Stanley, Hopkins, Costello, Jack, Heapy, M Williams, Draycott, John, Hope, Bridges, Harper, Bartley, A Williams, Bruce.

Abingdon Utd (v Northwood, away): from Beames, Brown, Organ, Peirson, Franklin, Merritt, Elkins, Goodrham, Mills, Faulkner, Osbourne-Ricketts, Odhiambo, Holden, Hunt, Weedon, Beechers.

Oxford City (v Chesham, away): from Knight, Ballard, Clarke, Baird, Perpetuini, Janes, Pond, Savage, Malone, Davis, Steele, Janes, Bell, Brooks, Alexis, Gunn.