OXFORD City manager Mike Ford has turned to psychology as he looks to end one of the worst runs in the Premier Division club’s 128-year history.

Tuesday’s goalless draw against Halesowen stretched their winless run in league and cup to 18 matches.

City who lie one off the bottom of the league, last tasted victory in April 2009 – a 2-1 win at Clevedon.

City’s worst run was in 1972 when they lost 11 successive matches in the Isthmian League.

Yesterday, instead of their usual training session, a business management consultant came along to chat to the players.

Ford, who saw keeper Richard Knight leave on Wednesday and midfielder Dave Savage reject a move to St Neots, feels it could help arrest the slide.

“The lack of goals is an issue and so by doing 45 minutes of finishing, are you just emphasising that we can’t score goals?,” said Ford whose side face a derby trip to Banbury United on Saturday.

“So we’ve decided to do some team bonding.

“Our physio is friends with a business management consultant, who has worked with the RAF and he came in to speak to us.

“So there was no working with footballs and no training.”

Meanwhile, Ford says he has no intention of quitting and is at the club for the long term.

He added: “I understand when you haven’t won for 13 league games that questions will be asked, but I have had no indication from anyone that I won’t continue as manager.

“When people read about Richard Knight and Dave Savage leaving the club, they must think that doesn’t look good, but the fact that Sav is staying is good news.

“I believe I work hard for this club and now have to work even harder and so do the players.

“I have made mistakes – not doing enough to keep Lee Steele was one of them – and I’m happy to admit them. That is the only way you learn.

“I want to do more than just battle through this bad run, I want us to be better than that and use a win as a springboard.”

Ford, who gives a debut to former Forest Green keeper Terry Burton, said: “I’m really looking forward to the Banbury game.

“It’s a chance for the players to show how much they care about the club, have a bit of quality and show more composure up front.”

Banbury boss Billy Jeffrey has warned his players to be on their mettle against City.

Jeffrey, whose side won 3-1 after extra-time at Wimborne in midweek in the FA Trophy, said: “It won’t be easy because City have some decent players.

“I know we haven’t won at home in the league, but we’re not worrying about that – we want the win.”

On-loan Rushden duo Aynsley McDonald and Aaron King are back in the squad.

Didcot Town travel to Halesowen.

North Leigh are without Ben Reardon (knee injury) for the Division 1 South & West trip to AFC Totton.

Mark Gee’s side have made a bid for Abingdon United striker Jon Mills, while Thatcham want skipper Tom Melledew.

Abingdon could give a debut to Mark Barnes at Paulton Rovers.

SATURDAY'S SQUADS Banbury Utd (v Oxford City, home): from Murrell, Stanbridge, Cray, Gordon, Learoyd, Oulton, Staff, Benjamin, Sharif, Taylor, Martin, Cross, Power, Polk, Mbamarah, McDonald, King.

Oxford City (v Banbury Utd, away): from Burton, Clarke, Ashton, Savage, McIlwain, Blossom, Lyon, Kington, Pritchard, Malone, Woodley, Lennon, O’Hara, Kinch, Davis.

North Leigh (v AFC Totton, away): from Lonsdale, Collins, Dodds, Hole, Caton, Burnell, Posey, Redknap, Clark, Sanders, McCabe, Taylor, Bowles, Saunders, Hodgkins.

Abingdon Utd (v Paulton Rovers, away): from Beames, Elkins, Carnell, Organ, Franklin, Davis, Harper, Gardner, Melledew, Mills, Odihambo, Barnes, Horsell, Beechers, Younie, Peirson, Foster.