MIKE Ford is confident his young side are capable of stepping up to a higher level.

Ford has kept faith with the bulk of the squad which won promotion to the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division.

And he is hopeful his loyalty will be rewarded when they open their campaign with a trip to Basingstoke Town tomorrow.

Ford said: “I had a good chat with the team and I asked them why they thought I’d made very few changes to the squad this season.

“It’s because I have faith in this group of players.

“We’ve got lots of talented young players who I believe can take this club forward for a long time to come.”

Ollie Stanbridge is the only significant departure, leaving after making 500 appearances over two spells.

Ford has bolstered his squad with striker Mark Janes from Didcot Town.

Jack Self has also made the move from the Railwaymen, Declan Benjamin returns from Oxford City, while David Lynn has signed from Thame United.

PLAYERS IN

Declan Benjamin (Oxford City), Jack Self, Mark Janes (both Didcot Tn), David Lynn (Thame Utd).

PLAYERS OUT

Ollie Stanbridge (Aylesbury Utd), Louis Joyce (Kidlington), Richard Platt (North Leigh).