Oxford City boss Mike Ford has hailed Marvin Martin’s midfield display in their win against Leamington and urged him to do it again away to Barwell on Saturday.

The former Oxford United youngster, usually plays in defence, but with Andy Ballard unavailable, Martin took his place in the middle.

And it turned out to be an inspired decision as he helped them to a 2-1 victory to move them up to sixth in the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division.

“We needed someone of the midfield three who would go in there, win the ball and use it well and it was Stuart Peace’s (assistant boss) shout to put him there,” said Ford.

“He did really well, so we will put him in on Saturday and ask him to do the same job. It’s great to have someone so versatile in the squad.

“It was a good performance and a great response to Monday’s defeat (against Banbury) because you have to be at your best to beat Leamington.”

Meanwhile, Ford wants his troops to keep up the good work against the new boys.

He added: “Barwell will be a tough old fixture, they lost to a 95th-minute goal to Totton, but we need to back up what was a fantastic win against Leamington.”

City will be without Lee Steele and Darren Pond who are both unavailable.

Banbury United could give a debut to former Redditch midfielder Ryan Howell away to Evesham as they look to make it five games unbeaten.

Manager Ady Fuller said: “I know all about Ryan because he was with us when I was (boss) at Daventry.

“He’s a good player and can play wide or in the middle.

“I’m not sure if he will start. It depends on how Ben Polk is – he’s been suffering with a groin injury.”

Fuller wants his side to be sharper against Evesham after last weekend’s goalless draw with Hemel Hempstead.

“I thought we started slowly against Hemel, although we were better in the second half. Hopefully we can get at Evesham early on.”

Meanwhile, Banbury are looking for another centre half after Liam Dolman was this week ruled out until Christmas with a broken metatarsal.

Saturday's squads Oxford City (v Barwell, away): from Mooney, Clarke, Martin, Learoyd, Ballard, Blossom, Barcelos, Benjamin, Lyon, Ashton, Stanley, J Green, Deabill, Basham, Fleet. Banbury Utd (v Evesham, away): from Kemp, Williams, Polk, Howell, Thackeray, Kinch, Hitchcox, Stanbridge, Coleman, Green, Woodley, Walker, Kingston, Youngs, Herbert, Travers, Dowling.