Darlo preview

United visit Feethams on Saturday with fitness doubts over two players. Striker Manny Omoyinmi and left back Matt Robinson both picked up knocks in Tuesday's defeat at Wrexham, although both are expected to have recovered in time to be in contention for Darlington.

Also in contention for places in the starting line-up are Bobby Ford, Steve Basham, Andy Scott and Lee Steele, all of whom came through yesterday's friendly against Northampton unscathed and with the added match fitness under their belts. Whether any of them are considered of course comes down to what Ian Atkins determines are his best tactics, although judging by Tuesday he is likely to prefer avoiding defeat rather than going for all the points.

The Quakers have had a reasonable start to the season, drawing against Swansea then winning at Cambridge, scoring four goals in the process. Given this, and Atkins' probable tactics, Rage Online can see no further than another defeat for the Yellows, 2-0 to the home side.

Bonsoir, Monsieur Sylla

United have released young french striker Norman Sylla, despite his impressive scoring record for the youth and reserve teams over the past year. Those who have seen Norman play would probably agree that he is quite a way from being ready for sustained first team action and with United's plethora of strikers who are (rightly or wrongly) ahead of him in the pecking order it was felt that it was in le garçon's best interests to let him go. Norman will continue to live in Banbury and try and get a game for a local non-league team.

Money in their pocket

Firoz Kassam appears to have paid Oxford City Council the outstanding £494,000 for which he was being taken to court by the Authority, plus interest. Probably no coincidence that this comes shortly before the planning committee sits to discuss proposed amendments to the planning application for the multiplex and leisure site. The plans also allegedly include provision for the fourth stand at the stadium and incorporate some of the land which Kassam paid £1,000,000 to Les Wells for.

Bus out of Europe

Steve Anthrobus's European adventure with Llansantffraid (aka TNS) lasted 74 minutes before he was substituted. In his time on the field Bus distinguished himself by getting booked after just eleven minutes. TNS were 3-0 down to HS Amica Wronki but two late goals have probably ended the Welsh side's interest in the UEFA Cup.