Oxford City boss Mike Ford says youngsters Felipe Barcelos and Adam Morris have the chance to force themselves into his thoughts with a decent display against Slough Town in the second round of the Red Insure Cup tonight(Tuesday).

But with temperature predicted to drop to -6, the game is in serious doubt, so a midday pitch inspection is planned.

Should the game get the all-clear, Ford will hand Barcelos his first start, with fellow midfielder Morris also getting the nod.

Young defender James Dobson is added to the squad, while centre back Craig McIlwain returns.

Experienced duo Lee Steele and Dave Savage will be rested ahead of Saturday’s home Premier Division game against leaders Truro City.

They are still without key man Andy Ballard who is sidelined for the next few weeks with an ankle injury.

“I’ll be mixing the team around a bit and giving some of the lads who have been on th bench a run-out,” said Ford, whose side’s trip to Stourbridge last Saturday was off because of a frozen pitch.

“It’s a chance for them to show they can play a part in the first team.”

Ford added: “Although the league is the priority, I think it is important to continue our decent form.

“After we had our first win at Banbury in the league, we then played Thatcham in the cup and got another win, so it’s important we build up that momentum again.

“We have lost only once in our last eight games and that one loss (at Cirencester) was when we had ten men.

“We have become difficult to beat, which is a good foundation.

“If we could score a few more goals that would be good, but I am not too unhappy as we have been creating chances.”

Meanwhile, a 2pm pitch inspection will be held at North Leigh ahead of their home Division 1 South & West clash with Bridgwater Town.

If it goes ahead, North Leigh will be without Stuart Huxley (knee) and Karl Dodds (ankle).

Manager Mark Gee said: “Today (Monday) the pitch is totally frozen, so it’s looking bleak.”