Oxford City boss Mike Ford has urged his side to play without fear when they take on Redbridge at Court Place Farm in tonight’s FA Cup first-round replay.

The former Oxford United defender, who has been at the helm since 2009, said everyone is relishing the game, with the winners facing a trip to npower League Two high-fliers Crawley Town.

Victory against the Ryman League Division 1 North side would take City’s earnings from the competition to £42,500, and Ford admitted there was a lot at stake.

“The rewards are huge,” he said.

“It’s all about the players performing and putting on a good show in front of what should be a big crowd.

“Redbridge have already created history by reaching the first round and we have only been in the second round once in our 130-year history (in December, 1969 they lost 5-1 to Swansea).

“I hope the players get their rewards and hope they enjoy it.

“My message is do not be afraid and go out and grasp the opportunity.”

City, who drew 0-0 at Redbridge in the first game, may make a couple of changes to the side, though Ford is keeping his starting line-up under wraps.

Andy Ballard returns from suspension, though Jamie Heapy is cup-tied and Alex Fisher, who is back at the club after being released by Glenn Hoddle’s academy, wasn’t signed in time.

Darren Pond, sent off for the first time in his career in Saturday’s goalless draw against Hitchin, is available, while veteran keeper Keith McLoughlin keeps his place in the absence of Jason Mooney.

Tickets are priced at £10 for adults and £5 concessions. Admission for under 16s is free.

Oxford City: from McCloughlin, Martin, Learoyd, Fleet, Ballard, Pond, Blossom, Lyon, Benjamin, Barcelos, Steele, Ashton, Basham, M Clark, McDonagh.

Redbridge: from Rafis, Sendall, Durrant, Turpin, Golby, Trenkel, Gardner, Hopkins, Robinson, Wade, Haywood, Gordon, Stamp, Hepburn.