Oxford City boss Justin Merritt was determined to focus on the positives despite seeing his side beaten 4-0 at Guiseley on Saturday.

Merritt was disappointed with the result and the performance, but believes City will learn from the experience.

“We created enough chances to win a game of football, we just didn’t defend well enough,” he said.

“If you’re away from home you can’t expect to concede three or four goals and then go and score five.

Latest Sport news

“We’ve got to tighten up in certain areas, but we’ll pick up on a few key points and hopefully get a positive reaction like we did after our last defeat.”

City had been in excellent form, recording three back-to-back wins after their 8-1 humbling by AFC Fylde.

And despite this defeat being of a lesser magnitude, Merritt wants to see a similar response from his players.

He added: “The sign of a good professional is to be able to move forward after it, dust yourselves down and go again and our boys will certainly do that.”

Meanwhile, Oxford City’s youth team host Alton Town in the FA Youth Cup at Marsh Lane tonight (7.45).

Do you want alerts delivered straight to your phone via our WhatsApp service? Text NEWS or SPORT or NEWS AND SPORT, depending on which services you want, and your full name to 07767 417704. Save our number into your phone’s contacts as Oxford Mail WhatsApp and ensure you have WhatsApp installed.