Oxford City boss Mike Ford says his side can learn a lot from Gloucester City when they take on Dave Mehew’s outfit at Cheltenham Town’s ground tonight.

City lost 1-0 to Chester in their opening Blue Square Bet North game on Saturday, while Gloucester, who groundshare with the Robins, won 1-0 at Gainsborough.

Mehew’s side won promotion via the play-offs in the 2009-10 season.

“I know their manager extremely well and they will be set up to make life difficult for us,” said Ford.

“They have gained a lot of experience from their two years in this league and know what you need to stay in it.

“I think they are a bit of a yardstick for us and it will be a proper test.

“This season we are not going to be opening up teams and winning 4-0 or 5-0.

“We’re going to have to be patient and show the same resolution in defence we showed last year.”

Striker Steve Basham, who suffered a cut head on Saturday, has been cleared to play.

Banbury United are in Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division action when they travel to Barwell.

North Leigh are set to give former Oxford City and Didcot Town midfielder Michael Alexis, 26, his debut away to Cirencester in Division 1 South & West.

Boss Mark Gee said: “Mich-ael is a good passer and has a presence.

“He gives us a bit extra. He’s an experienced player and a good footballer.”

Meanwhile, Gee says his side must be more clinical at Cirencester, having lost 3-1 to Bishops Cleeve.

He added: “I counted 11 clear-cut chances for us, but we were so profligate in front of goal. We now have to find our scoring boots.”

Abingdon United will be aiming to get their first win when they host Swindon Supermarine.

TONIGHT'S SQUADS

Oxford City (v Gloucester City, away): from Carter, Ballard, Learoyd, Malone, Willmott, Martin, Isaac, Benjamin, Basham, Cook, Stonehouse, Skendi, Barcelos, Sharif, Lyon, Gunn.

North Leigh (v Cirencester, away): from Warrell, Hole, Organ, Turk, Franklin, Caton, Sanders, Clark, Mills, Coyle, Hopkins, Else, Collins, Westlake, Alexis.