Oxford City boss Mike Ford has told his players not to get carried away with the Christmas festivities and ensure they are right for their Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division Boxing Day clash with Hemel Hempstead Town at Court Place Farm.

Fourth-placed City have played three of their promotion rivals in their last four games, and Ford says they must back up those displays against struggling teams.

“Everyone eats to excess at Christmas,” said Ford.

“But it’s what you do afterwards, whether you go for a jog or whatever.

“But they have a responsibility to the football club and their teammates not to overdo it.”

Ford added: “We messed-up a bit at home against Hitchin and Cirencester (both ended goalless).

“And we have to make sure we have every chance of defeating the sides we should beat,” said Ford.

“We have done pretty well up to now, so we have to deal with some added pressure.”

Ford warned that Hemel, managed by former South-ampton striker Tommy Widdrington would be tough.

“We have to be very careful with Hemel because Tommy is very experienced. He did well as Salisbury manager.

“If we had played them six weeks ago I think it would have been easier – but they are not a bottom-three side.

“I don’t want to play down our chances, but we don’t want any complacency or getting blasé against them.

“We have played Brackley, Chesham and Totton in the last four weeks, but we have to make sure we put in the same level of performance in the next three games.”

City will be without Steve Basham (Achilles) though James Clarke (knee) will have a late test.

Liam Malone could play against his old club despite an ankle injury.

Banbury United boss Ady Fuller is hoping Oxford United will extend striker Aaron Woodley’s loan spell.

He said: “At the moment, he is going back on January 1, but if they want to extend it, that would be welcome.

“He’s been tremendous. He’s a great lad and he has had some fantastic games for us.

“We would be daft not to try to get him back.”

Meanwhile, Simeon Will-iams returns from a ban for the trip to Brackley Town.

Fuller added: “Brackley have a massive amount of strength and it’s a big test for us, but we go there with no fear.

“If we play as well as I know we can, then we have got a chance. The key is starting well.”

Knee injury victims Ryan Howell and Martin Hutchcox miss the derby.

Oxford City (v Hemel Hemp, home): Mooney, Blossom, Learoyd, Pond, Willmott, Lyon, Ballard, Mal-one, Benjamin, Steele, Martin, Bar-celos, Fisher, Fleet, Heapy, McLo-ughlin.

Banbury Utd (v Brackley, away): from Kemp, Coleman, Kinch, Dolman, Chilton, Polk, Kingston, Cole, Johnson, Woodley, Edmond, Rich-ardson, Blake, Walker, Thackeray, Williams.