OXFORD City manager Mark Jones hopes to have a new goalkeeper in the squad when they entertain basement boys Whitehawk at Court Place Farm tomorrow in Vanarama National League South.

City lost the services of Jack Stevens at the 11th hour in midweek when he was recalled by Oxford United.

This led to Jones giving a debut to Luke Sanders from Oxford City Nomads.

Although Jones was full of praise for Sanders, who made the step-up from the Uhlsport Hellenic League to deputise in their 3-2 defeat at high-fliers Havant & Waterlooville, he feels it’s important to have a more mature keeper in the mix.

He said: “It was really difficult preparation for the Havant game.

“It obviously wasn’t ideal to have Jack recalled so close to the game, as it left us in a real predicament.

“Luke certainly didn’t let us down, and for a debut at such a higher level, I was pleased for him. He wasn’t overawed at all.

“But it was a big step-up, and really we need more experience in there.

“The fact is that United have recalled Jack. I’m still trying to get some information whether that is a permanent or short-term measure.

“Jack has done great for us, but we can’t be waiting around hoping he is going to come back.

“We need to look at other options, and I am hoping to have an experienced keeper in place for the weekend.”

City will be hot favourites to take the three points against a Whitehawk side that have won only one league game all season.

But despite that, Jones is taking nothing for granted.

“We can’t do that,” he said. “I actually think we generally perform better against the so-called better sides. There is always added pressure on games when you are expected to win.

“It’s a winning opportunity, but they are coming off the back of a win and a draw.”

Midfielder Mo Fofana is expected to be fit after coming off with a groin strain in last Saturday’s win at Hungerford, while Reece Fleet, who was sent off in midweek, is also available.

Matt Peake-Pijnen has rejoined City from Banbury United.

“I was pleased with our overall performance on Tuesday,” Jones said. “There were lots of encouraging signs. I was disappointed with conceding the third after coming from behind twice. We just need to defend set pieces a bit better, but there were more positives than negatives and hopefully we can take those in to tomorrow.”

Oxford City (v Whitehawk, home): from Sanders, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jones, Poku, Oastler, McEachran, Fofana, Sinclair, Paterson, Hirst, Pearce, Tutton, Forde, Navarro, Godwin-Malife, Sanders, C Stevens, Peake-Pijnen.