Zamaretto Southern League

OXFORD City boss Mike Ford believes the return of striker Lee Steele has proved a turning point in their season.

Steele, who rejoined the Premier Division club two weeks ago from Ashton United, has score twice in three games, including a last-minute equal-iser at Bashley in midweek.

And Ford believes that his return has had a big impact on his younger players.

Ford said. “At our level, Lee is as good a striker as you’re going to get.

“He has been the focal point of our attacks – but it’s not just his goals. It’s his general hold-up play. It’s made us much more of a threat going forwards.”

Ford, whose side travel to Tiverton tomorrow, believes that Steele’s experience has al-ready rubbed off on his younger players.

“The lads from last year knew of Lee’s capabilities, but the new lads this year learned pretty quickly.

“We have a young side and Lee’s experience has visibly made a difference.

“Considering the predicament we are in, my players have been good for me. We were well worth a draw at Bashley on Tuesday.”

City’s boss is mindful of the threat posed by Tiverton tomorrow, who are below City in the relegation zone.

“It’s a massive game for our season,” Ford added.

“We’re both in the bottom four, so for an outsider looking in, it’s a relegation scrap, but I’m not looking at it like that.

“I expect them to have a right go at us for 90 minutes, but we will approach the game with plenty of confidence.”

Defender Jack Ashton is ruled out through suspension, while Ford adds midfielder Adam Morris to the squad.

Banbury United boss Billy Jeffrey has called for more of the same as he takes his side to Chippenham.

Jeffrey said Banbury’s performance in their 2-0 win over Cambridge City on Tuesday was the best of the season, and he’s keen for that to continue.

He said: “It’s been coming. We’ve been playing well lately and we just needed to cut out the mistakes.”

Jeffrey is now calling on his side to maintain those standards in the toughest part of the season.

“This is the time that games come thick and fast.

“We have set our standards high and we need to maintain this.”

Banbury will be at full strength for tomorrow’s trip, with Scott Cross returning from a calf injury.

Abingdon United host Taunton Town at Northcourt Road.

Striker Anaclet Odhiambo is ruled out with an ankle injury.

TOMORROW'S LINE-UPS

Oxford City (v Tiverton Tn, away): from Jesionkowski, Ballard, Clarke, McIlwain, Blossom, Savage, Kington, Malone, Morris, Janes, Lyon, Pritch-ard, Steele, Faulkner.

Banbury Utd (v Chippenham Tn, away): from Murrell, Stanbridge, McDonald, Gordon, Learoyd, Farq-uharson, Coleman, Benjamin, Shariff, Taylor, Staff, Rose, Martin, Oulton, Cray, Scott.

Abingdon Utd (v Taunton Tn, home): from Foster, Elkins, Carnell, Peirson, Franklin, Organ, Harper, Melledew, Davis, Halsall, Mills, Barnes, Gardner, Beames, Wimble.