FOOTBALL: Ford keeps City up to the mark (From Oxford Mail)

FOOTBALL: Ford keeps City up to the mark

9:50am Friday 7th September 2012 in Headlines By Mike Knox, Deputy Sports Editor. Call me on 01865 425457

Oxford City boss Mike Ford has no intention of letting his players rest on their laurels following their excellent start to the campaign, writes Michael Knox.

City trounced Boston 4-2 at Court Place Farm on Tuesday night to move up to seventh.

“I’m absolutely delighted how we’ve started,” said Ford.

“I must admit that I was a bit apprehensive before the season, especially with a difficult start.

“So to be in seventh and having reached double-figure points after six games is fantastic.”

But ahead of tomorrow’s game at home to a once-famous non-league club Altrincham, Ford warned: “There can be no let-up.”

“We’ve got to maintain our intensity and make the most of having two home games in a row.”

Altrincham, who sit a place below City, have a dangerous striker in Damian Reeves, who scored all four goals in their 4-2 win at Gainsborough. Ford said: Altrincham play entertaining football with plenty of goals – a bit like us.”

Declan Benjamin returns to the squad following a two-week holiday, while there’s a slight injury doubt about Andy Ballard, who suffered a knock on an ankle against Boston.

“I won’t name the side until I get back from by regular Saturday morning run,” said Ford, who said the squad had stepped up to the challenge in brilliant fashion this season.

Oxford City (v Altrincham, home): from Carter, Pond, Learoyd, Malone, Willmott, Mills, Ballard, Isaac, Sharif, Cook, Stonehouse, Skendi, Basham Barcelos, Gunn, Blossom, Benjamin.

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