Manager Mike Ford described Oxford City’s 2-2 draw at home to promotion candidates Altrincham as one of the best displays since he has been in charge, writes JACK JOHNSON.

“I’m really proud of my players,” he said. “They were magnificent and I’m hoping they get some plaudits from this because they were tremendous, absolutely as good a performance as they have given me since my time as manager here.

“They must be thinking they can perform at this level, they’ve been tremendous.”

Ford also revealed that he had no arguments against Willmott’s dismissal, but was a little disappointed with the referee’s attitude to the game, saying: “I’ve got no qualms because it was a penalty and Chris (Willmott) is going to get a red card.”

But he added: “It was a laugh and a joke for the referee today, he didn’t care, he had no concept of winning, losing or drawing and I thought he was very poor.”

Striker Steve Basham feels City can continue to impress.

“It’s a tough league this year and we notice that there is a big difference, but we apply ourselves in the right way and we can grind out results and that showed,” he said.