ANDY BOOTH has come through a tough fitness test and will play his first match of the year for Town Reserves against Preston at Bamber Bridge tonight (7.00).

The 30-year-old has been battling for weeks to overcome a groin injury and now looks ready for action.

"It's a fantastic boost to have Boothy back," said manager Peter Jackson, who was working on a particular signing target today.

"He won't play the whole game, probably just 45 minutes, but it will be great to get him through.

"Paul Scott and Tony Carss are also in the team, so the injury list is now down to just a couple - Ian Hughes and Ian Gray.

"Hughesy is doing fine after his knee op and Ian Gray is still under treatment for his hand problem."

Middlesbrough goalkeeper Sam Russell plays on trial with a view to deputising for Gray in Saturday's trip to face Torquay.

Any fans wishing to return their original tickets for next Tuesday's trip to Bristol Rovers should do so by Friday. Tickets for the match will be on sale at reduced prices until 5pm on Monday. Anyone paying at the gate will pay more.

Town Reserves - Russell, Thompson, Scott, Mirfin, Edwards, Mattis, Holland, Carss, Ahmed, Booth, Thorrington. Subs: From Academy.