Oxford City manager Mike Ford admitted he was relieved to see his side overcome a potential FA Trophy upset, having already fallen victim to Southern League Yate Town in the FA Cup, writes MATTHEW BRUCE.

City laboured to a 1-0 victory over Southern League Division One South & West side Sholing, but Ford felt they deserved a place in the next round.

“I’m really pleased,” said Ford. “I think the players deserve lots of credit, we defended magnificently at the end and we showed a real passion and desire not to concede a goal.

“There were spells in the game where we actually played quite well and there were other spells when we made the game quite even.

“I did feel that the Yate result had a bearing on the last 15 minutes, we got a bit edgy and a bit anxious.”

And although City’s priority remains Blue Square Bet North survival, Ford is eyeing a good run in the FA Trophy.

He added: “We’re in the hat, we’ve made £4,000 for the club.

“Hopefully we can get a favourable draw and we can progress.

“We haven’t really had a decent run in this competition since I’ve been at the club and I think it’s about time we did.”