A break from league action of almost a month has allowed Oxford City to regroup and prepare for a promotion push in the second half of the season.

That is the view of general manager Justin Merritt as his side welcome St Albans City tomorrow afternoon in their first Vanarama National League South match since Boxing Day.

City have fallen out of the play-off positions after having several matches postponed in recent weeks.

But Merritt believes they are well-placed to regain their position.

“We’ve been out of form for a while, but the break has given us a chance to refocus a bit,” he said.

“This league is there for the taking and other teams haven’t capitalised on our recent break.

“It puts us in a strong position for the second half of the season.”

City’s FA Trophy second round replay at Cheltenham Town on Wednesday night also fell foul of the weather, with the match now due to be played next Tuesday, January 26.

That means that City’s already rearranged league fixture at home to Concord Rangers has been postponed for a second time.

City will play twice a week over the next month, with nine matches scheduled in all competitions.

 Merritt feels it is vital they start the busy period with a win.

He said: “The lads are desperate to get back to league action.

“There’s only so much training you can do and everyone wants to be able to put it into practice at the end of the week, so it’s been a really frustrating period.

“But three points in the league will set us up nicely and give us the confidence to start moving forward again.”

Defender Lee Henderson is available following his recovery from an ankle injury.

Matt Bevans returns to the squad after being cup-tied for last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Cheltenham.

Merritt was disappointed with his side’s display against a youthful Robins side, but has been heartened by discussions this week with his players.

“We had a big team meeting on Tuesday evening to go through a lot of points,” he said.

“Everyone had their say and we cleared the air a bit.

“It got a bit heated at times, but that just shows that everyone cares.

“And I know they’re keen to put into practice some of the things we’ve talked about.”

TOMORROW’S SQUAD Oxford City (v St Albans City, home): from Walker, King, Arzamendi, Bevans, Coulson, Santiago, Lapoujade, Pond, Fleet, Lafuente, Isaac, Bubb, McDonagh, Jackson, Benjamin, Pifarré, Henderson.