KIDLINGTON boss Julian McCalmon is in a buoyant mood after watching his side climb off the bottom of the table for the first time this season.

A 3-0 win over North Leigh on Tuesday saw the side leapfrog their fellow strugglers in Division 1 Central of the Evo-Stik South League.

Kidlington remain in the relegation zone on goal difference ahead of their trip to AFC Dunstable tomorrow.

But McCalmon, who names an unchanged squad, is confident his side can further climb the table.

He said: “It was a proper performance at North Leigh.

“The players showed that they cared, which was really pleasing.

"The boys were in the right frame of mind and got what they deserved.

“I didn’t know it (the North Leigh win) had moved us off the bottom.

“We’ve told the lads not to look at tables, but just concentrate on ourselves – we are going in the right direction.

“Tomorrow is another big opportunity to get another three points, and the mood is good.”

North Leigh now find themselves two points adrift.

And joint manager Craig Dore is demanding a reaction at Bedford Town.

He said: “It was hugely disappointing on Tuesday, Kidlington were by far the better side and wanted it more than us.

“There’s still 12 games to go and plenty to play for, but we’re now bottom of the league, so we have to pick ourselves up.

“The boys have got to grow up and show some character.

“Too many times, we go a goal down and just collapse.

“They’ve had 30 games together now and need to show more fight and determination.”

Fourth-placed Didcot Town host Coleshill Town.

The Railwaymen were beaten 3-2 at Corby Town last week as they suffered a fourth defeat in their last six matches.

But tomorrow’s fixture is an opportunity for them to put further light between themselves and the chasing pack in their bid to finish inside the play-offs.

Manager Andy Ballard said: “We just need to dust ourselves down and get back to winning ways. The boys are still in a buoyant mood.”

Pablo Haysham is ruled out through injury, while Adam Learoyd begins a three-match suspension.

Thame United are looking for their first victory in seven games when they host struggling Dunstable Town.

Mark West’s side lost 3-1 at Welwyn Garden City last weekend and have not won a league fixture since January 12.

Thame welcome back Matt Peake-Pijnen.

In Premier Division Central, Banbury United bid for their first league win in a month when they entertain St Ives Town.

The game marks the launch of the club’s Puritan Past Players Association, offering free admission to their former stars.

TOMORROW’S SQUADS

Banbury Utd (v St Ives Tn, home): from Harding, Awadh, Taylor, Nash, Wise, Shamsi, Hawtin, Henderson, Johnson, Kaziboni, Rasulo, Hottor, Diggin, Odhiambo, Whitehead, Heapy.

Didcot Tn (v Coleshill Tn, home): from Bedwell, Barder, Carnell, McNeill, M Williams, Hayden, McNish, Humphries, Hackett, Barcelos, Dennis, L Williams, Thomas, Gardner, Murphy, Ballard.

Thame Utd (v Dunstable Tn, home): from Hill, Lynn, Essex, Tutton, Tack, L Goss, Sturgess, West, Ashworth, Jewell, Martin, Evans, Murray, Gledhill, Peake-Pijnen.

Kidlington (v AFC Dunstable, away): from Warrell, Quainton, Castle, Martin, Franklin, Gabbidon, Coyle, Osborne-Ricketts, Odhiambo, Benjamin, McGlynn, Willoughby, Brown, Tooke, Thorne, Bernasconi, Jordan.

North Leigh (v Bedford Tn, away): from Cavanagh, Ngathe, Gunn, A Grant, Peart, R James, H Grant, Linford-Pill, Alabi, Landers, Seacole, D James, Martei, Pin, Saunders, Singh.