Oxford City boss Justin Merritt is relishing tomorrow’s long trip to Vanarama Conference North leaders Barrow, writes Matthew Bruce.

With 13 wins from their 16 home games this season, City’s hosts have a formidable record at Holker Street.

But Meritt feels they hold no fear for his side.

“These are the fixtures you want to take part in,” he said.

“They’re a big side, they’re top of the league and there’s going to be a big crowd there.

“This is what we wanted at the start of the season and now this is the kind of game we have to deal with.”

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With Barrow battling it out for top spot and City still eyeing a play-off place, much is riding on tomorrow’s match.

Merritt believes the result will be decided by which side can best handle the pressure.

He said: “They’re in pole position at the moment, but they need to keep winning games to secure promotion and the title, so there’s huge pressure on them to get the results.

“The occasion, the number of people there and the ground will all stand us in good stead.”

City were comfortably beaten 3-0 when the two sides met at Marsh Lane in January, following the dismissal of goalkeeper Salva de la Cruz just six minutes into the game.

It was a difficult blow to take for City, who unsuccessfully appealed the red card, and they are looking to put things right tomorrow.

“We had the lion’s share of possession on the day, but the sending-off and Darren Pond having to go in goal really scuppered us,” said Merritt.

“But on the footballing side we really had the upper hand that day.”

He added: “There are certainly weaknesses to exploit and we have the ability to cause them problems.

“I don’t care if you’re top or how impressive your defensive record is, if we’re firing on all cylinders you’re going to find it tough against us.

“Our performances have been very good recently, because when we’ve drawn a couple we’ve shown our battling qualities.

“And when we’ve won, we’ve shown our brand of football at its best.

“We’re not going to be setting ourselves up for anything but the three points.”

Alejandro-Adrian Santiago (groin), Pond (ankle) and Mamadou Fofana (calf) are all doubts for City due to injury.

TOMORROW’S SQUAD

Oxford City (v Barrow, away): from Salva, Coulson, Benjamin, Stonehouse, Lapoujade, Henderson, Wilson, Yussuf, Obot, Scott, Barcelos, Winters, Rodriguez, Del Alamo, Jackson.