BANBURY United manager Mike Ford believes his side will not be affected by the loss of star man Felipe Barcelos when they entertain Kings Langley tomorrow.

The Brazilian has left the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division club to take up a place at Loughborough University, signing off with a brace in last week’s 6-1 demolition of Cirencester Town in the Emirates FA Cup second qualifying round.

His departure freed up the money from the fan-funded Spencer Villa Fund for Ford to bring in striker Conor McDonagh from Oxford City.

The 23-year-old netted on his debut last weekend and Ford believes his side is now stronger.

“I think we’ve brought in better players than what we had,” he said.

“We were obviously disappointed to lose Felipe, because he’s been a big player for us.

“But Conor’s come in, he’s made the team stronger and he’s scored on his debut.

“He’s a fantastic character, he works incredibly hard and he loves scoring goals.”

Centre back Andy Gunn is banned, but Marvin Martin returns from being cup-tied.

Meanwhile, forward Leam Howards has joined Ardley United.

TOMORROW’S SQUAD

Banbury Utd (v Kings Langley, home): from Harding, White, Nash, Fawke, Westbrook, Janes, Bell, Browne, Self, McEachran, Blackstock, Johnson, Sambrook, Rimmer, Davies, Jeacock, Martin, McDonagh.