Evo-Stik Southern League

OXFORD City boss Mike Ford has spoken of the high regard in which he holds new signing Jamie Heapy, after the 31-year-old made the switch from Didcot Town this week.

Heapy, who had spent his entire playing career at the Railwaymen, signed for City this week, ending a 16-year association with the club.

And Ford says he knows how difficult the decision must have been.

“It was not an easy thing for Jamie to do,” Ford said.

“I don’t think you can ever question his loyalty after being at the same club for so long.

“He might have felt obliged to stay at Didcot and help them through their difficult times.

“From my own experience of leaving Oxford United all those years ago, I remember how reluctant I was to leave.

“But I also recall what a breath of fresh air it was to have a different challenge.

“I am hoping that the same thing happens with Jamie.

“He won’t just walk into the side, and has to earn his shirt, but he sees it as a challenge.”

Oxford City host Swindon Supermarine in the Premier Division of the Evo-Stik Southern League tomorrow.

Lee Steele is fit again after a hamstring injury, and Ford has a full-strength squad to choose from.

Banbury United boss Ady Fuller believes his team will bounce back from the midweek mauling at Stourbridge when they entertain Weymouth.

Banbury lost 5-0 in the Midlands on Tuesday, but Fuller says they will turn things around.

“It was very disappointing in the week, but our injuries haven’t helped,” Fuller said.

“When you’re playing ag-ainst one of the best sides in the league, you need to be at full strength, which we weren’t.

“But we’ll be fine. I have confidence in my players and I’m sure we’ll get back on track.”

Martin Hutchcox (foot) is doutbful, while Simeon Will-iams is suspended.

TOMORROW'S LINE-UPS

Oxford City (v Swindon Supermarine, home): from Mooney, Ballard, J Clarke, Blossom, Learoyd, Ashton, Martin, Cradup, Heapy, Lyon, Fleet, Benjamin, Pond, M Clarke, Steele, Basham, Barcelos, McDonagh.

Banbury Utd (v Weymouth, home): from Kemp, Stanbridge, Hinchliffe, Thackeray, Polk, Coleman, Walker, Green, Woodley, Edmonds, Kingston, Youngs, Howell, Hutch-cox, Eyre.