OXFORD City boss Mark Jones is backing his side to rise to the occasion when they host high-flying Havant & Waterlooville tomorrow.

Buoyed by a notable victory at promotion hopefuls Bath City on Monday, the visit of the only unbeaten side in Vanarama National League South provides another stern test.

But Jones is confident his team can continue their momentum.

“It was a brilliant comeback at Bath, particularly given the very hot conditions,” he said.

“The character my players showed was fantastic.

“We weren’t at our best in the first half, but it was great to get a win against a Bath side who have a very good home record.”

City have won just one of three games on their own patch so far this season, but Jones hopes that record will improve.

“I hope we can take this momentum into the Havant game,” Jones added.

“They are a very good side with lots of good players and an experienced management team.

“They’re the only team in the league who haven’t lost yet, but I do believe on our day, we can match anyone in this league, and often do well against the better sides.”

City must do it without Daniel Rowe, however, who is ruled out with a knee injury he picked up in training.

“It’s a big blow losing Dan,” Jones said.

“We’re waiting for a scan, but the prognosis doesn’t look particularly good and we are not sure how serious it is.

“He is likely to be out for a while though.”

Jones has moved quickly to bring in cover for Rowe, signing Jenson Wright on a non-contract basis following his release from Milton Keynes Dons in the summer.

Wright, a midfielder, played in some of City’s pre-season friendlies, and Jones said of his new signing: “He’s got good ability, he’s a local Oxford lad and with Dan’s injury, I feel that he could be a good addition to the squad.”

Meanwhile, City have been accepted into the Under 19 Elite National Academy League, a competition open only to National League clubs.

The City boss was delighted with the news, saying: “It’s a good programme for our Under 19s.

“It will give us a real opportunity to improve the standard of our young players to stand us in good stead for the future.

“It’s a really high standard of football for the lads, and can only help in their development.”

Oxford City (v Havant & Waterlooville, home): from King, Jones, Jefford, Ashby, Moore-Azille, Oastler, Fleet, Brown, McEachran, Owusu, Self, Fasanmade, Wiltshire, Tapp, Caro, Wright.