By Tony Fallows

Oxford United will attempt to restart their Conference campaign tomorrow, as they host a surprisingly strong Altrincham side. The Us play their first league match since being docked five points for fielding an ineligible player. An appeal notwithstanding, United now sit 14 points off the play-offs and five points off relegation, so unless the unthinkable happens and they get involved in a relegation battle, their season seems effectively over. Last time out United slipped to a disappointing 2-1 loss to York City in the FA Trophy; the defeat saw new boss Chris Wilder determined to fix the malaise within the side.

In the immediate aftermath, Phil Trainer was released to high-flying Conference North side AFC Telford United. Coming in on a six month contract to replace Trainer is former Doncaster Rovers winger Craig Nelthorpe. Trainer had shown glimpses of quality in his time at Oxford, but unfortunately they have been far too infrequent, and with his contract up at the end of the season it was probably the right decision for both parties. Also leaving the club is Paul Evans. Evans had been on a short-term contract with United, but Wilder declined to extend it after the midfielder failed to break into the first team. Nelthorpe is a left-footed left-winger. The 21-year-old played under Mickey Lewis at Doncaster, and for a short period under Wilder on loan at Halifax, but he has found his opportunities limited and the Division Two side decided to let him go. Wilder will have a fully fit squad to choose from except for long-term absentees Barry Quinn and Sam Deering. Chris Willmott and Adam Murray both return from suspension for United, and Nelthorpe is expected to make his debut after playing in a 1-1 friendly draw with Didcot Town on Wednesday night; Alex Fisher scored The Us goal which was set up by Nelthorpe.

Altrincham have bucked the trend this season and are sitting comfortably in 11th place. The Robins have finished in the relegation places for the past three seasons but have been reprieved on all three counts by other teams being punished, one team being Wilder