Oxford United have an early opportunity tomorrow to put right Tuesday's aberration, as Kettering Town visit the United Stadium. With Stevenage Borough involved in FA Trophy semi-final action at Kidderminster Harriers, United know that a win will take them back to the top of the Conference by one point, while using up the game in hand. Moreover, a 10-0 win will level up the goal difference (although we'd be lying if we claimed that we thought that result particularly likely).

The goods news as far as Oxford is concerned is that Anthony Tonkin will return to the left-back position, having been suspended for the 2-1 defeat by Hayes & Yeading United on Tuesday. Chris Wilder then has to decide whether to play Jake Wright with his usual partner Rhys Day, or bring in Mark Creighton, who was United's captain in the second half against Hayes. In midfield, Adam Murray is still not ready to return to the side, and with Chris Hargreaves carrying an injury and putting in a particularly poor performance in the first half before he was substituted, we would expect to see either Adam Chapman or Lewis Chalmers partner Dannie Bulman, Simon Clist, and Sam Deering. Up front there remains a doubt about James Constable's readiness to return to action, but with the front line failing to do anything of any note on Tuesday we would have to hope that if he's not available two from Matt Green, John Grant, and Jack Midson will take advantage of his absence.

Kettering are currently fifth in the table, having come through a wobbly patch following the departure of manager Mark Cooper to Peterborough United. Despite Tuesday's 1-0 home defeat by Cambridge United, they are on a run of decent form, especially away from home, and don't seem to have been particularly bothered by the news that, even if they finish in the top five, they will not be eligible for promotion to the Football League because they only have three years remaining on their lease at Rockingham Road, with the rules requiring a minimum of 10 years security of tenure.

Other significant matches in the Conference tomorrow include Luton Town at home to Wrexham, Rushden & Diamonds at home to Gateshead, and York City away to Altrincham. However, all eyes round these parts will be firmly focused on the Kas for what could be one of United's most significant matches of the season. [@opponent]kettering town[/@opponent][@connection]kettering town[/@connection]