Didcot make the short trek up the M40 to north Oxfordshire to play Banbury tomorrow evening (Tuesday 9 March KO 7.45pm) in a vital Zamaretto Premier Division clash.

We've played the Puritans a number of times in recent years but perhaps never has the match been more important, in particular to Didcot as we look to ease our relegation fears.

United are on a relatively poor run, certainly in light of the rest of their campaign. They've been beaten in their last 4 League games, the latest a 1-0 reverse at Diddy opponents this Saturday, Bashley. But they are comfortably placed in mid-table with 7 more points than Diddy but, ironically, a worse goal difference. They are a young side who have performed excellently for Billy Jefferies and I'm sure they'll be looking to put an end to their indifferent recent results...at our expense!

The enigma for us of course is the fact that 5 of our 7 League wins have been on the road. It's difficult to explain but we will go to the Spencer Stadium in high spirits despite Saturday's loss to Farnborough. The big concern will be the bacjk injury to Alex Stanley, and with Jordan Tabor already missing through injury, our defensive options are being tested to the limit as we enter the busiest part of the season.

In the game at the Loop back in October Didcot were quite fortunate to escape with a goalless draw. Banbury's striker David Stone in particular impressed that evening and he will be one we have to keep tabs on tomorrow if we are to emerge with the points. But a victory would be a massive result for us in the context of the campaign and with a sizeable Diddy support expected to travel it should be an exciting evening ahead.

Please note, there will be no official website updates until Wednesday evening, although I'm sure some post-match reaction will be posted on the forum before then.

Didcot 1-2 Farnborough Att:380

Didcot fell to a narrow defeat yesterday against runaway League leaders Farnborough in a thoroughly enjoyable game at the Loop.

On another day we might, just might, have grabbed an unlikely point and certainly one or two decisions and perhaps the rub of the green went against us on the day. There was some dispute over the decision that led to Farnborough's opener, and while the rebound on the second goal fell straight to McCollin, when we hit the bar and post in a mad goalmouth scramble the ball bounced to safety.

But, that said, Farnborough were the better side and had they taken some of their other chances, particularly in the first half, we could have had no complaints had we lost by two or three goals.  They are a good side and look set to gain promotion long before the final few games of the season.

Still plenty of work for us however. While most of the results went our way yesterday (only Rugby and Merthyr in the bottom 9 winning) we must get something out of our next three matches at Banbury (Tuesday) and at the Loop against Bashley and Truro (13 and 16 March). Alex Stanley's back injury will be a concern, with Jordan Tabor already out the decision to bring Richard Peirson in as defensive cover loooks a good one.

It'll be a big derby game at Banbury on Tuesday (9th March KO 7.45pm) with Diddy looking to extend our decent away form at the expense of a Banbury side that have performed extremely well this season.Should be a cracker. News of the game and a report (hopefully) by Wednesday evening).

Didcot 1-1 Nuneaton Town Att:224

A late Ian Sampson strike earned Didcot a share of the points on an emotional and highly charged night at the Loop yesterday.

Football itself was put in it's place with the tragic news that Nuneaton's popular kitman Alan Cooper had passed away after falling ill at Nuneaton's ground on the way to the game. Visibly in shock on arrival at the Loop Meadow the Nuneaton players and officials, after speaking with Alan's family, decided that the game would go ahead (albeit with a late kick-off). It goes without saying that everyone associated with Didcot Town passes on their sincere condolences to Mr Cooper's family and his friends and colleagues at Nuneaton Town FC.

When the game got under way at 8pm it was soon clear why Nuneaton are regarded as one of the League's best sides. For much of the 90 minutes Didcot had to scrap for every ball and the slick movement and interplay of Boro strikers Rob Foster and Chris Dillon in particular were giving Didcot's backline a torrid time.

There were so many talking points that it's hard to recall them all. But here goes anyway...