JOSH Ashby may have dropped into non-league football, but is relishing the opportunity to test himself against Sky Bet League Two opposition in the form of Tranmere Rovers.

After a successful loan spell at Oxford City two years’ ago, the midfielder returned to Court Place Farm in the summer after being released by Oxford United.

But Ashby still has ambition to make the professional game and believes tomorrow’s Emirates FA Cup first round tie at Prenton Park is the perfect chance to put himself in the shop window.

“It will be nice to play on a big stage again, in front of

5,000-6,000. I hope we can all prove what we can do,” said the 22-year-old.

“I had a good time at Oxford (United), but I think the chance of playing at one of the bigger sides in League Two will give us all a great chance to show what we are capable of.”

While City are on a two-match unbeaten run in Vanarama National League South, Ashby admits the side are disappointed at being 17th.

But they head to Tranmere on the back of an excellent 4-2 win at Hampton & Richmond.

Ashby said :“To be honest, the FA Cup tie has been in the back of everyone’s mind for a few weeks, as much as we’ve tried to focus on the league.

“I personally think we should be higher than we are in the table, and I’m sure we are capable of giving Tranmere a really good test.”

Mark Jones’s team are a youthful outfit – the average age is around 22 – but Ashby believes what they lack in experience, they make up for in ability and camaraderie.

“We’re all good mates,” he said.

“We have had a great togetherness, especially in our cup run.

“Our performance at Hampton shows what we are capable of and we’re going into this game full of confidence.”