Oxford City have vowed to improve the pitch at their Marsh Lane home after plans to install a 3G artificial surface in time for their National League South debut were shelved write Matthew Bruce and Michael Race.

Delays in obtaining planning permission from Oxford City Council have meant that the club have had to postpone the proposal until next year and now face a race against time to get their existing grass surface up to standard before the start of the season on August 8.

With reseeding and repair work starting much later than usual, City are unable to host any pre-season matches, meaning they will miss out on their usual money-spinning fixture with neighbours Oxford United.

However, managing director Colin Taylor believes this means they can ensure an improved surface.

He said: “Our priority now is trying to get the existing pitch better for next season.

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“We’re going to review how many teams we have playing on it, because we want the best surface possible.

“We’ve already started reseeding, preparing and repairing the pitch and hopefully we still have time to get that done before the start of the season.”

City’s case is now in the hands of the East Area Planning Committee after concerns were raised about the increase in traffic caused by regular use of a second 3G pitch at the site.

Even if planning permission is granted that won’t be before the committee’s next meeting on June 3, leaving chairman Brian Cox frustrated.

“We are disappointed because we were all looking forward to it,” he said.

“The style of football we play is ideal for that type of surface, but we just have to move on.

“There has been an objection that there may be more traffic, but I think the plans will go through. It’s all down to time.”

None of City’s arranged pre-season friendlies will be played at Marsh Lane, with away trips to Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West sides Didcot Town and Banbury United included in their schedule.

Justin Merritt's side will also make the journey to Arlesey Town to commemorate the 20-year anniversary of the meeting between the two sides at Wembley Stadium in the 1995 FA Vase final.

OXFORD CITY PRE-SEASON FIXTURES

July – Sat 11: Hungerford Town (a). Tues 14: Marlow (a). Sat 18: Didcot Town (a). Sat 25: Arlesey Town (a). Tues 28: Banbury United (a). August – Sat 1: Solihull Moors (a).