FOOTBALL: Ford lays down Kynan challenge (From Oxford Mail)

FOOTBALL: Ford lays down Kynan challenge

10:00am Friday 31st August 2012 in Sport By Nick Farrant, Sports reporter specialising in Non League Football. Call me on 01865 425488

OXFORD City boss Mike Ford has thrown down the gauntlet to teenager Kynan Isaac – go and take fellow midfielder Declan Benjamin’s shirt.

Benjamin scored a late equaliser in Monday’s 2-2 draw at home to Worcester, but is unavailable for the next two games, starting with tomorrow’s Blue Square Bet North trip to Halifax Town.

And Ford says it is Isaac’s big chance to cement a place in the line-up.

“It’s a good opportunity for him to say ‘look Dec, I’ve got your shirt’ and he may have to sit on the bench,” said Ford.

“And Kynan can only do that based on how he plays.

“If he plays well, then he gets to play in the next game and if he doesn’t, he won’t.”

Ford, whose side have an unblemished away record, says they are excited by facing Halifax, not fearful.

He said: “I have spoken to people at Bradford Park Avenue (they drew 1-1 at Halifax on Monday), so we are fully aware of what they are about.

“It’s a fantastic place for us to go and we go there in good heart after a reasonable start.

“I was pleased with the resilience we showed against Worcester and we will have to show the same at Halifax.

“But we won’t be intimidated by anyone, we’re going up there to give it a real go.

“The fundamentals are the same. We have to do everything we did last year, but be better at it.

“It’s about being committed and strong in this league.”

TOMORROW'S SQUADS

Oxford City (v Halifax Tn , away): from Carter, Mills, Gunn, Learoyd, Willmott, Blossom, Stonehouse, Martin, Cook, Ballard, Malone, Pond, Isaac, Barcelos, Basham, Sharif, Skendi.