Teenage striker Connor McDonagh could make his first start as Oxford City bid to get their Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division play-off bid back on track at Frome Town on Wednesday night.

The 19-year-old former Oxford United scholar, whose goals this season have helped City Nomads to the Uhlsport Hellenic League title, has come on as a substitute for the last two games.

But boss Mike Ford feels now may be the time to play McDonagh from the off.

“At the moment we are struggling to put the ball into the back of the net and on my bench is a 45-goal striker,” he said.

City could also include midfielder Liam Malone after he has made a speedier recovery than expected from ankle surgery.

Despite the disappointment of Monday’s 2-0 defeat at Hemel Hempstead, Ford added: “The most important thing is we have our destiny in our own hands and we are not relying on anyone else.”

Oxford City: from Mooney, Clarke, Learoyd, Ballard, Skendi, Blossom, Lyon, Lyon, Benjamin, Basham, Woodley, Martin, Bell, McDonagh, Woodley, Malone, McLoughlin.