MARK Jones says Oxford City’s Christmas programme will go a long way to setting up the second half of the Vanarama National League South season.

A home match against basement boys Weston-super-Mare tomorrow is followed by away games at Hungerford Town and Wealdstone.

And with City just a point off the play-off places, Jones believes a positive run can see his side push on in the new year.

Jones said: “We have a lot of games in a short space of time, which is a tough ask for the players, but I look at it as a fantastic opportunity to hopefully get a lot of points on the board in a short space of time.

“We want to try and maximise the opportunities we have, but we know we will have to apply ourselves.

“On paper, we have opportunities against sides below us, but we need to be focused and ensure we don’t take anything for granted.”

Weston-super-Mare are enduring a horrendous season, but Jones insists that they are better than their position suggests.

“We drew with them earlier in the season, and they play some good football,” he said.

“They can be tricky opponents and I know they are bottom at

the moment, but I am sure that they feel confident they can turn their season around.”

City go into the festive period with some injury concerns.

The major issue is with influential midfielder Zac McEachran, who is struggling with a knee injury.

Jones said: “Zac is causing us some concern at the moment.

“He felt a twinge in the East Thurrock match and it hasn’t improved in the last week or so.

“We will be sending him for a scan, but it’s a big blow as he has been in such good form.”

Jack Self returns after being cup-tied for last weekend’s abandoned FA Trophy clash at Maidenhead, while Sam Nombe has recovered from concussion.

Josh Ashby and Bobson Bawling, both of whom have ankle problems, should be fit to play at least some part over Christmas.

Ben Jefford, who missed last Saturday with his niggling Achilles injury, is also making good progress.

Jones insists that with a group of talented youngsters all making their senior debuts in recent weeks, they are in good shape.

“Tom Carter and Ben Barrett have both made their debuts recently, and neither have let us down,” he said.

“I’m well known for giving youngsters a go if they are good enough, and I will continue to do so.”

Oxford City (v Weston-super-Mare, home): from King, Jones, Carter, Wiltshire, Godwin-Malife, Oastler, Self, Fleet, Tshimanga, Nombe, Otudeko, Fasanmade, Barrett, O’Donoghue, Jefford, Ashby.