OXFORD City's defence have issued an FA Cup warning to Wycombe Wanderers striker Jermaine McSporran -'Underestimate us at your peril!'

Wycombe's 22-year-old hitman, who moved to Adams Park from City over the summer, has called City's defence 'slow', and reckons Wanderers will have Saturday's first round tie at Adams Park sewn up by half-time.

City manager Paul Lee has already joked that McSporran had 'better watch his ankles', while player-coach and full back Garry Smart said: "He's making a bit of a rod for his own back."

City goalkeeper Alan Foster added: "The lads thought it was a little bit out of order to say it would be sewn up by half-time.

"But it's all talk. They are the favourites and we are the underdogs. If we can defend well and stay solid at the back, then that will put the pressure on them.

"This match isn't all about McSporran v Oxford City, but he is a quick player, that's his main strength." Foster signed for City from Hellenic League side North Leigh over the summer and has impressed at Court Place Farm ever since.

However, the 22-year-old shot-stopper admitted that Saturday's match would be the biggest of his life.

And ex-Oxford United defender Smart wasn't writing off a giant-killing.

"We're the underdogs, but if we can hold them and not concede any early goals, the lads will grow in confidence and then who knows," he said.

He added: "McSporran is very quick, even by league standards. From our point of view, I hope he does well, as we've got a sell-on clause if he does move."

Smart reckoned City's pre-season defeat at home to Wycombe, where they conceded three late goals, would have no bearing on Saturday's tie. "This match will be completely different. Both teams were just experimenting."

Story date: Wednesday 27 October

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