OXFORD City boss Justin Merritt insists there will be no hangover from his side’s shock defeat to South Park when they return to Vanarama National League South action at home to Ebbsfleet United tomorrow.
City’s 2-1 loss at the hands of the Ryman League Division 1 South outfit was one of last weekend’s big surprises in the Buildbase FA Trophy.
But Merritt feels it will have little lasting impact on City’s league campaign.
“We spoke about it for about five minutes, covered a few key points and then moved on,” he said.
“I’m not looking at what happened last week.
“It’s easy to dwell on that, but it has absolutely no relevance to this game.”
In the league, City have gone from strength-to-strength in recent weeks, winning their last three games.
However, they have tasted success just twice on their own turf this season.
A bumper crowd is expected this weekend, with 400 free tickets distributed to Oxford Mail Youth League clubs.
And as City embark on a run of four successive home matches, Merritt has called on his side to improve their record.
He said: “We’ve had some very good results against on the road, so we know we can do it.
“But we haven’t beaten a top- five side at home yet this season, so that’s the challenge this week-end.”
Wide man Kynan Isaac will not be involved, however, after being allowed to leave the club.
Merritt believes his departure paves the way for City’s up-and-coming youngsters to earn their chance.
“It’s an opportunity for someone else,” Merritt said.
“We’ve got some terrific young players coming through and we don’t want to block the pathway for them.
“The youth team should feel proud of what they’ve achieved this season and I think it’s important younger players are given the opportunity to experience first team football.”
TOMORROW’S SQUAD
Oxford City (v Ebbsfleet Utd, home): from Belford, Grant, Poku, Ashby, Henderson, Cundy, Davies, Fleet, Ofosu, Ngathe, Winters, Giles, Fondop, MacAuley, Roberts, Louis.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here