OXFORD City boss Mark Jones says he has spoken to Craig King about his conduct after the goalkeeper was sent off following the final whistle against Billericay Town.

The 22-year-old was shown a second yellow card in the tunnel for dissent, having been cautioned during the Vanarama National League South fixture.

King will now serve a two-match ban – his second suspension of the season following his red card at Eastbourne Borough last month.

Jones, whose side will still be looking for their first league win of 2019 when they travel to Chippenham Town tomorrow, is frustrated to lose his No 1.

He said: “I was disappointed that it happened of course, but Craig wears his heart on his sleeve and just has a lot of passion.

“It was an unnecessary second booking, which obviously has led to a red card.

“Sometimes he just needs to rein his passion and emotion in, but I am not going to criticise him for showing that he cares.”

READ AGAIN: City let 2-0 lead slip in Billericay defeat

Steve Caro will deputise at Chippenham as City try again to end their barren run, which now stands at eight matches.

City have lost seven of those fixtures, with only a draw at Eastbourne at the beginning of February to show for their efforts.

But Jones was left encouraged by last weekend’s performance at home to Billericay Town, despite seeing a 2-0 lead slip in a 3-2 defeat.

He said: “We all know we’re struggling for results, but we have to take some positives from that game.

“I felt we were unfortunate not to get a draw, as it was the best we’d played for quite some time.

“In the latter stages of the game we were a lot more threatening, and you have to bear in mind how good a side Billericay are too.”

Jones is hopeful of adding to his squad ahead of the trip to Chippenham.

He added: “It isn’t an easy place to go and their home form is pretty good.

“I’m very hopeful of a couple of new faces in time for tomorrow, which will give us a much-needed boost.”

Zac McEachran (knee) and Ben Jefford (ankle) remain side-lined, while Craig Fasanmade has returned to Thame United on loan.

Jones added: “I’m eager to get Craig some first team experience and some games under his belt, and I think it’s a good move for him to do that.”

TOMORROW’S SQUAD

Oxford City (v Chippenham Tn, away): from Caro, Jones, Moore-Azille, Dielna, Oastler, Ashby, Fleet, Wiltshire, Tshimanga, Thomas-Asante, Case, Self, Bawling.