IMPRESSIVE displays from some of Oxford City’s fringe players have caused general manager Justin Merritt a selection headache ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Basingstoke Town.

Conor McDonagh’s second goal in as many games and a brace from Declan Benjamin helped City back into the Vanarama National League South play-off places with a 5-1 win over Concord Rangers on Tuesday.

And after sparking City’s resurgence with three straight wins, Merritt expects them to have a role to play during the run-in.

He said: “We’ve been trying to keep a settled side, but we’ve had a few knocks, which has forced us to make changes recently.

“The lads who have come in have been excellent and they’ve really taken their opportunities.

“I was delighted for Conor to score again on Tuesday and Dec was brilliant.

“Julen Lafuente came on at half-time and did really well as well, so it gives me a decision to make.

“We’ve got some big games coming up and this is a busy weekend for us, so we need everyone to play their part.”

Top-scorer Bradley Bubb comes back into contention this weekend after missing Tuesday’s match through suspension.

However, City’s injury concerns have increased.

Defender Lee Henderson (ankle) and striker Kaylem Patterson (groin) have joined Marlon Jackson (hamstring) and Ander Del Alamo (ankle) on the treatment table.

But with a trip to the league’s basement side this weekend, City have a great opportunity to further boost their play-off prospects.

“We wanted to be in the race and that’s where we are,” said Merritt.

“We have eight games left and we’ve just got to win as many of them as we can.

“I think you can over-contemplate it by looking at what other teams are doing and getting ahead of yourselves.

“Earlier in the season we were looking at games in groups of three, but since our poor run we’re just treating each match as a one-off event.

“We can’t look any further ahead, we just have to apply ourselves in every game.”

TOMORROW’S SQUAD

Oxford City (v Basingstoke Tn, away): from Walker, Arzamendi, Lapoujade, Bevans, King, Santiago, Fleet, Pond, Lafuente, Whichelow, Bubb, McDonagh, Benjamin, Pifarré, Stonehouse, Isaac.