DIDCOT Town boss Andy Ballard believes the return of strikers Felipe Barcelos and Pablo Haysham can give his side the lift they require in order to secure a play-off place.

The Railwaymen are fourth in Division 1 Central of the Evo-Stik South League and travel to fellow high-fliers Corby Town tomorrow.

But with Barcelos and Haysham back on board for the run-in, Ballard is confident his side are better equipped to hang on to their top-five place.

“Felipe was a huge part of our success last season,” he said.

“And with Pablo’s service to back him up, that will hopefully kick us on for the rest of the season.

“Once I knew that Pablo was available, I acted quickly to secure his services.

“He is a player of fantastic ability and his experience will stand us in good stead.”

Corby have lost just four games this season, and Ballard commented: “We will need to defend as well as ever to stop them scoring.

“I am confident that we can cause a bit of an upset, but we are certainly not underestimating how tough the game will be.

"They rarely lose at home and are one of the best sides in the league.”

Only Matty Woodley and Aaron Woodley are missing from an otherwise full-strength squad.

Mark West’s fellow play-off chasers, Thame United, travel to Welwyn Garden City.

A 1-1 draw at Kempston Rovers last weekend kept them fifth, despite the early dismissal of loan signing Tom Carter.

He said: “The sending off after 15 minutes really affected the game.

“But the boys played well, we drew level and it was difficult to know whether to over-commit and go for the win or settle for the draw. In the end, you have to be satisfied with a point.”

Carter will be suspended for tomorrow’s trip, while Oxford City have recalled Craig Fasanmade and Matt Peake-Pijnen is unavailable.

West added: “Welwyn are a hard-working side and quite tough to break down. But we are desperate to get back to winning ways, and keep us in the top six.”

North Leigh joint-manager Craig Dore believes the next two games could make or break their season.

The Millers are one of three teams on 18 points at the foot of the table, with tomorrow’s opponents Yaxley nine points clear, although having played two games more.

With bottom side Kidlington – who host Barton Rovers this weekend – then travelling to Eynsham Park on Tuesday, Dore is well aware of the importance of the fixtures.

“It’s two massive games coming up,” he said.

“If we can beat Yaxley that will close the gap and put real pressure on them with our games in hand.

“We would look for a minimum of four points from the two games, but obviously we’re looking for all six.”

George Seacole, Noah Alabi, Josh Pin, Alfie Grant and Andy Gunn all return.

Banbury United travel to struggling Lowestoft Town in the Premier Central Division tomorrow.

TOMORROW’S SQUADS

Didcot Tn (v Corby Tn, away): from Bedwell, Barder, Carnell, Learoyd, Thomas, McNish, Humphries, M Williams, Taverner, Gardner, Dennis, Hackett, Hayden, L Williams, Barcelos, Haysham.

Thame Utd (v Welwyn Garden City, away): from Hill, Lynn, Essex, Tutton, Tack, L Goss, Sturgess, West, Ashworth, Jewell, Martin, Evans, Murray, Gledhill.

North Leigh (v Yaxley, home): from Cavanagh, Ngathe, Gunn, A Grant, Peart, R James, H Grant, Linford-Pill, Alabi, Landers, Seacole, D James, Martei, Pin, Saunders, Singh.

Kidlington (v Barton Rovers, home): from Warrell, Quainton, Castle, Martin, Franklin, Gabbidon, Coyle, Osborne-Ricketts, Odhiambo, Benjamin, McGlynn, Willoughby, Brown, Tooke, Thorne.