Juustin Merritt has backed his Oxford City side to emulate the cup heroics of neighbours Oxford United when they welcome Vanarama National League leaders Cheltenham Town to Marsh Lane in the second round of the FA Trophy tomorrow.

After seeing United stun Premier League Swansea in the Emirates FA Cup last weekend, City’s general manager feels his side can pull off a similar shock against a Cheltenham team tipped to reclaim their Football League place at the first attempt.

“When you’re playing against technically superior opposition your workrate and energy has to be right up there,” said Merritt.

“What United demonstrated was how every person, to a man, worked incredibly hard for each other and for the team – and I’d like to think we could do the same.

“There’s no pressure on us, it’s just an opportunity to showcase what we can do and I’m sure the players will embrace it.”

Some key members of City’s side, including wide men Luke Coulson and Kynan Isaac, as well as striker Bradley Bubb, have dropped into the part-time game after spells in the Football League.

And Merritt feels they have an opportunity to demonstrate they are capable of matching a side of Cheltenham’s quality.

He said: “A lot of our players consider themselves good enough to be playing at least in the National League, so they feel they have something to prove.

“On our day we’re a match for anybody and we showed that last year when we took Woking to two matches at this stage (eventually losing a replay 2-1 away from home).

“I think we’re probably slightly stronger than last year, so I think we can cause them problems.”

One player who will not get the chance to prove his point, however, is winger Omari Sterling-James.

He has returned to the Robins after the conclusion of his loan, but is unlikely to feature against City.

“We had the option of renewing his loan and he is a good player.

“But when you bring someone in from a higher level you really want them to have some more time on the pitch,” Merritt said.

“He’s found opportunities a little difficult to come by here.”

Cup-tied full-back Matt Bevans will also miss out, having already featured for Wealdstone earlier this season, but attacker Marlon Jackson has shrugged off a viral infection.

TOMORROW’S SQUAD

Oxford City (v Cheltenham Tn, home): from Walker, King, Arzamendi, Benjamin, Coulson, Santiago, Lapoujade, Pond, Fleet, Lafuente, Isaac, Bubb, McDonagh, Jackson, Pifarré.