Oxford City boss Justin Merritt is looking for experienced striker Marlon Jackson to fire them to success away to Colwyn Bay in Vanarama Conference North tomorrow and to banish memories of their shock FA Cup exit.

Last Saturday, the 23-year-old made his debut as substitute in City’s 2-1 defeat at Southern League Shortwood United after signing the previous day from Vanarama Conference side Halifax.

And he could be in the starting-line-up as City look to get back to winning ways on the north Wales coast.

Merritt feels that Jackson, who played for Lincoln City last season, can offer something different in their striking department.

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“He’s a very good front man, who can play as a centre forward or either side,” said Merritt.

“Marlon has pace, is a good size and can hold the ball up well. He has a good pedigree and experience of playing in the Football League with Bristol City and non-league with Lincoln.

“With Adi Yussuf playing every game, we needed a good foil for him. It’s about getting the right balance.

“I’m not sure if Marlon will start, but he is in the frame.”

Meanwhile, Merritt is sticking by his keeper Freddy Hall.

It followed the Bermudan international’s poor display on his debut against Shortwood.

Merritt added: “I wouldn’t want to single anyone out for criticism, because there were a lot of players that could have done better.

“There’s not going to be a reaction from us every time someone has a bad game.

“You look at players over a period of time, not just for one match, so I would imagine Freddy will start.”

He added that an unnamed Conference Premier side had made an enquiry about the stopper.

Merritt expects a tough encounter against Colwyn who are managed by ex-Chelsea defender Frank Sinclair.

City’s general manager said: “We’re looking for a bounce-back, but we know it won’t be easy, because they are on a good run and are unbeaten in six games.

“We need to keep working hard as a group and to stay focused on our roles and responsibilities.

“We’ll go there, be positive and try to get the right result.”

City will be without defender Lee Henderson (unavailable) and Bidemi Afolabi (on loan at Wantage).

Oxford City (v Colwyn Bay, away): from Hall, Scott, Stonehouse, Pond, Lapoujade, Green, Rodriguez, Barcelos, Mullings, Yussuf, Del Alamo, Benjamin, Winters, Wilson, Brown, Santiago, Isaac, Hoban, Jackson.

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