Oxford City manager Mike Ford is relishing the chance to face derby rivals Brackley Town in the first of two Chistmas holiday clashes in Blue Square Bet North on Boxing Day.

Brackley will host City before the duo meet again at Court Place Farm on New Year’s Day.

“What could be better than taking on our greatest rivals,” said Ford, who used to manage Brackley.

“In fact, I’m looking forward to it more than my sprouts on Christmas Day!”

“It will be a case of Brackley’s experienced play-off contenders taking our team of youngsters.

“We’ll be the underdogs and that role suits us well.”

Brackley include former Oxford United players, Billy Turley, Marvin Robinson, Eddie Odhiambo and Tom Winters in their side.

The postponement of Saturday’s home game against Histon has given City’s injured players – Steve Basham and Jamie Cook – a chance to play as Ford promises a few surprises.

Oxford City: from Ingram, Mills, Stonehouse, Ballard, Learoyd, Willmott, Mulvany, Pond, Holgate, Stanley, Cook. Barcelos, Benjamin, Janes, Basham, Gunn.