TOP scorer Richard Ball will be missing on Saturday when Evesham United meet up with Banbury United for a swift rematch.

The two sides met a little more than a month ago when the Puritans ran out 3-2 winners on a night when Ball found the net but so too did substitute goalkeeper Darren Knurek who punched the ball into his own net six minutes from time.

The youngster was only between the posts following a red card for Dave Adey who will return in goal at Common Road against an Oxfordshire side sitting a point adrift of Southern League Premier Division leaders Mangotsfield United.

Evesham manager was unable to field latest recruit Mike Feely at Cossham Street last weekend when an 11am inspection of a waterlogged Man-gotsfield surface prevented the players from travelling.

However, Feely is set for a "second debut" after an earlier appearance in a red and white shirt against Bedford in October after making his move from Redditch United a permanent one last week.

Jermaine Clarke hasn't been recalled from the Valley Stadium to replace the suspended Ball and the striker will stay at the Conference North club until the new year.

"We have agreed to extend Jermaine's loan deal for another month," said Busst. "But, Matty Lewis is a centre forward by trade and he will line up alongside John Williams on Saturday."

The United manager also admitted that he is still looking for more defensive cover - a move perhaps highlighted by last week's drubbing at the hands of Bromsgrove.

"I am still looking for another centre half to put pressure Pando and Knighty," Busst revealed. "I was disappointed at certain aspects of the Bromsgrove defeat and I expect my players to put that right quickly but full credit to them and I had no complaints about the result."

The Common Road chief has also spoken to his players about discipline in the light of recent suspensions for Ball, Lee Knight, Steve Duncan and the now departed Neil O'Sullivan.

One more booking will also rule out Gavin O'Toole, Leon Blake and Richie Robinson for one match, while Ball and Knight are already on course for a second ban.

"We are in a relegation fight and the players are committed and at times frustrated," Busst admitted. "I think that referees were more lenient last season but the players have certainly got to learn from their experiences this season."

Saturday's match is being sponsored by Jewson (Evesham) and the ball by Banbury butcher Steve Betts.