Darren Patterson takes charge of an Oxford United away game for the first time in the Conference tomorrow, as the Us visit Kidderminster Harriers.[@opponent]Kidderminster Harriers[/@opponent][@connection]Kidderminster Harriers[/@connection] Patto will be looking to at least maintain his unbeaten record as official boss, but really a win is (again) a necessity in order to kick-start United's bid for a play-off place. Aggborough is a fine venue for a football match, with a covered terrace and some allegedly excellent nosh (unless you're a vegetarian), plus the Ultimate Yellows are supposed to be making their first away appearance, to add to the party atmosphere.

With the loan signings of two strikers yesterday, Patterson has the opportunity to select a strong attacking line up. Both Ashley Barnes and Matt Green have been added to the squad, to challenge Yemi Odubade, while Alex Fisher could make his first start for the club following Kieran St Aimie's return to QPR. In addition, Gary Twigg has resumed full-time training after being injured at Droylsden, and could push for a place, however Rob Duffy will start his three-match ban following his straight red card against Ebbsfleet United on Saturday. Joel Ledgister is also back training, but tomorrow's match is too soon for him to be considered. At the back, Chris Willmott is fully fit again, but may continue on the bench, while Matt Day is injured and won't be involved. Meanwhile, there are reports that Mickey Lewis is now Patto's official assistant, with Les Taylor taking over the youth team. Midfielder Danny Sonner, 35, formerly of Ipswich Town, Sheffield Wednesday, Birmingham City, and many other clubs, is apparently in training with Oxford, although there has been no indication if this is with a view to signing, or just for his own fitness.

Kidderminster are currently 11th in the Conference, two places above Oxford, and are unbeaten in their last four games. Their last match was a 1-1 home draw with Woking, and their last defeat was when Weymouth won 2-0 at Aggborough on 20 October. Kiddy will be without Jeff Kenna and the suspended loanee Dean Bennett, but Scott Bevan and Dean Coleman could both be fit enough to resume their places. But that's enough about them. It's prediction time, and to be honest Rage Online hasn't a clue on this one (or on any other games, to be fair). Therefore we're playing it safe and going with 1-1, which will do, at a pinch.

Conference leaders Aldershot beat Grays Athletic 3-2 last night, extending their lead to four points over second-placed Torquay United, who are at home to Woking tomorrow. Third-placed Cambridge United visit fourth-placed Burton Albion tonight, while fifth-placed Forest Green Rovers visit second-bottom Droylsden tomorrow. Stevenage Borough, who have slipped to sixth, host fourth-bottom Altrincham on Monday. Histon, who are seventh, host eighth-placed Exeter City tomorrow. Bottom club Northwich Victoria host Rushden & Diamonds, while third-bottom Stafford Rangers travel to 10th-placed Ebbsfleet. York City, who are sixth from bottom and who sacked manager Billy McEwan this week, visit Weymouth.