OXFORD City general manager Justin Merritt believes his side need to win their five remaining matches to keep the chances of reaching the Vanarama Conference North play-offs alive.

City face a string of big matches against league rivals before the end of the season, hosting fifth-placed Boston United tomorrow.

The Pilgrims occupy the final play-off spot, boasting a five-point lead over City, and Merritt said his players don’t need reminding about the importance of the match.

He said: “We’re in a good place at the moment and the players don’t need motivating in any way.

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“We have five games left now and with the position we’re in, we know we probably need to win them all to stand any chance of getting into the play-offs.

“We’ll be treating every game as a cup final.”

City made headlines the last time they faced Boston, subjecting their opponents to an incredible 7-2 defeat last September.

But Merritt expects memories of that match to play no part for either side tomorrow.

“I don’t think that will have any bearing on the fixture,”

he said.

“They’ve got different players now, we’ve got different players as well and they’re obviously a very strong side.”

Darren Pond (ankle) and Darren Mullings (thigh) remain sidelined, while Javier Rodriguez (heel) faces a fitness test.

Loanee Jeremy Balmy is expected to make his home debut for City, having made his first appearance since joining from Oxford United in the 2-0 win at Hednesford Town.

He enjoyed his first taste of Conference North football.

“It’s more physical, but I don’t mind,” said the French midfielder.

“It’s good to see the top level and the Championship, but I also like League 1, League 2 and the Conference, because it shows you different ways to play.”

He added: “There’s one French guy (Mamadou Fofana) here and I played against him when he was at Lincoln and I was at Notts County Under 21s.

“He helped me get to know everyone.”

TOMORROW’S SQUAD

Oxford City (v Boston Utd, home): from Salva, Coulson, Benjamin, Stonehouse, Santiago, Lapoujade, Henderson, Fofana, Balmy, Wilson, Yussuf, Scott, Barcelos, Winters, Del Alamo, Jackson, Murombedzi.