Albion's influential midfielder Charlie Oatway has been told to scrap for a first team spot.

He was widely expected to return to the starting line-up at Macclesfield last Saturday after serving a one-match ban against Carlisle.

But boss Micky Adams sprang a surprise by sticking with striker Lee Steele.

Oatway, awarded an extension to his contract last month, had to settle for a late call off the bench.

Now Adams has hinted Steele will keep his place for Saturday's FA Cup clash at Aldershot, although he could still find room for Oatway.

"Lee did well in the second half against Carlisle," Adams said. "I was pleased with his goal and sometimes it is good to give players confidence by continuing to pick them.

"There have not been too many changes for the last 15 games. Lee has got the shirt at the moment and it is up to Charlie to fight his way back into the team."

Adams is leaving nothing to chance against the Ryman League high-flyers. He saw them beat Dover in the last round and dispatched chief scout Dean White to watch their 2-1 home win against Maidenhead last Saturday.

White warned: "Aldershot are a decent side. It will be a difficult game for us. There will be a full house and they will be right up for it."

Albion have been embarrassed in the first round by Hereford, Sudbury and Kingstonian in the last six seasons and Aldershot boss George Borg is in bullish mood.

"I don't fear anyone we play," he declared. "If we prepare properly and do the right things we've got a chance."

The Reserves enjoyed a comfortable 3-1 Combination win against Colchester at Worthing last night. Goals came from Daniel Marney, Rod Thomas and substitute Shaun Wilkinson.