Oxford City will be without central defender Lewis Craker for an indefinite period because of a family tragedy.

The former Aylesbury United player pulled out of the squad for City's game at Great Wakering Rovers on Friday, after his wife suffered a miscarriage.

City manager Paul Lee said: "I've told Lewis he can take as long as it takes to get over this. It was their first baby. They only got married this year.

"This sort of tragedy really puts things into perspective. I just told Lewis phone me when he is ready."

On the field, City will be hoping to continue their good form when they host Barking & East Ham in Ryman Division 1 North at Court Place Farm tonight (Tuesday).

They will be without Nando Perna, who is struggling with a thigh strain, while David Billington is still a few weeks away from recovering from an ankle injury.

City captain Matty Hayward made a successful return to action, coming through unscathed City Reserves' 6-1 Oxon Intermerdiate Cup win over Clanfield Reserves unscathed to end his two-year knee injury battle.