OXFORD City player-manager Justin Merritt is confident his side can pull off an upset in tonight's Oxfordshire Senior Cup final against holders Banbury United at the Kassam Stadium (7.45).

City have hit form in Division 1 South & West, beating high-flying Marlow, and drawing away at another play-off contender, Paulton Rovers.

"I'm looking forward to it," said Merritt, who has named himself on the bench. "I'm quite pleased the game is here now, because I'm fed up with talking about it. It's also good that we are in a decent run.

"It's still going to be a difficult game, because Banbury are on a reasonable run of their own.

"We know all their players quite well. Hopefully, our boys won't freeze.

"As long as we can get a performance from them, I will be satisfied.

"The way we are going, I am confident it will be a close game.

"It's a shame that some of our young lads won't be able to play.

"Mark Bell, Mark Janes and Keiron Lewis are all cup-tied and Steve Davies is injured.

"But Mark Jones came through the 90 minutes on Saturday and is fit for selection.

"That's a big boost for us. He gives us that bit of creativity. Jonah can make things happen and he has played in the final before."

Merritt, who has played in two finals, added: "The pressure will all be on Banbury, who of course, are the holders.

"I want my players to come off the pitch saying 'we did really well tonight'.

"Provided we put on a show I will be happy."

The boss of Premier Division side Banbury, Kevin Brock, who managed City for a spell in the 1990s, is determined to retain the cup.

"It's a very important game for us. We want to win it and have something to show for what has been a long season.

"We have had them watched and know quite a bit about them.

"They have done well. It's always difficult to adjust to another league after promotion.

"I had half a season at City and I still know a few of the people down there.

"I know Justin and Mike Ford well."

"I don't think they'll be any fisticuffs in the dug-out!"

Wayne Blossom is unavailable.

If the score is level after 90 minutes, and 30 minutes extra-time, the game will go to a penalty shoot-out.

TONIGHT'S LINE-UPS

Banbury Utd: from Judge, Bridges, Kinch, Sullivan, Jackson, Pond, Stanbridge, Redknap, Forinton, Baird, Gardner, McKay, Nicholls, Gooderick, Murrell, Foley.

Oxford C: from Wilkins, Durrant, Takriti, Lane, Avery, Griffin, Jones, Malone, Stewart, Alleyne, Rendell, Chakaodza, Harper, Merritt, Ford.