MARK Jones’s message to his players is Oxford City’s relegation battle is far from over, despite back-to-back wins against play-off hopefuls.
The Vanarama National League South strugglers host another high-flier in Chelmsford City at Court Place Farm tomorrow.
Although they have created a seven-point cushion between themselves and the drop zone, Jones is adamant the job is not done.
He said: “We certainly haven’t cracked it on the back of two wins.
“We have given ourselves a better chance, but we need to concentrate and understand what we have done well over the last two weeks.”
City staged an astonishing comeback from 2-0 down to beat Truro City 3-2 last weekend.
And Jones, who described the victory as one of the best moments of his managerial career, wants more of the same tomorrow.
He said: “I felt being 2-0 down at half-time was a bit harsh.
“But we showed fantastic desire and character to get the win,
“To come back from that left everyone with a real sense of achieve-
ment.
“I can’t remember coming back from 2-0 down to win a game in my managerial career, so that was a great achievement.”
The tough games keep on coming for City, and Jones believes Chelmsford will be out to avenge a 2-1 defeat dished out to them by his side back in November.
He said: “They are third in the table and chasing automatic promotion.
“We went down there and won well with a good performance, so I am sure they will be keen for revenge.”
Rob Sinclair (dead leg) is a major doubt, while Connor Stevens is still on the sidelines with a foot injury.
However, City are boosted by the return of Christian Oxlade-Chamberlain, who was suffering with a thigh strain, while Dave Pearce is also back in the squad after recovering from a hamstring problem.
TOMORROW’S TEAM
Oxford City (v Chelmsford City, home): from King, Jones, Grant, Poku, Oastler, Musonda, Godwin-Malife, Fofana, McEachran, Fleet, Paterson, Nombe, Pearce, Forde, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Sinclair.
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