JUSTIN Merritt believes Oxford City have a lot of improving to do ahead of their trip to Hemel Hempstead Town in Vanarama National League South tomorrow, writes MATTHEW BRUCE.

A lacklustre City were beaten 2-0 at newcomers Hungerford Town on Monday evening, following Saturday’s promising 2-1 win over Welling United.

But Merritt believes the lessons will be taken on board.

“We’ve got a great bunch of players and I’m sure they will have learnt from the defeat,” said City’s general manager.

“I didn’t think we kept the ball well enough, we didn’t get the ball from midfield to attack quickly enough and although we put in lots of crosses, we didn’t have anyone getting on the end of them.

“I just feel that we’re not yet playing with as much freedom as we need to in order to make this style of football successful.”

With just four senior squad members remaining from last season, Merritt and joint manager Danny Nicholls’ task of rebuilding the side has stretched into the start of this campaign.

Centre back Harold Joseph has departed for Hayes & Yeading United without making a competitive appearance, while there are also several players awaiting their first appearances.

With fitness doubts over winger Tom Winters’s tight groin, that could provide an opportunity for a first start to midfielder Bonifacio Neto, who made his competitive debut off the bench on Monday.

Also, full-back Freddie Grant, is awaiting his debut after signing this summer from neighbours Oxford United.

And with so many new faces around the squad, Merritt has urged patience.

He said: “As a squad we’re still very new and altogether we’ve pulled in 16 players for this season.

“In those circumstances, it’s not going to just fall into place instantly.

“Our players still need a little more time to understand how best to link up with each other, but I’m sure they’ll get there.

“We’re making no excuses, Monday was not a good performance and I expect better from them this weekend.”

TOMORROW’S SQUAD

Oxford City (v Hemel Hempstead Tn, away): from Stevens, Odhiambo, Isaac, Poku, Henderson, Cundy, Soares, McDonagh, McAuley, Neto, Enver-Marum, McDonagh, Davies, Winters, Asiedo Ofuso, Fleet, Grant.