Oxford City boss Mike Ford has praised his side’s sterling efforts in their win at Gloucester City and wants more of the same at Solihull Moors in Blue Square Bet North tomorrow.

City bounced back from their opening-day defeat by Chester, to win 1-0 against Gloucester at Cheltenham’s ground on Tuesday and Ford says a similar effort is needed at Damson Park.

“My over-riding emotion after the (Gloucester) game was ‘we’ve got that out of the way’,” said Ford.

“When you are playing at another level, the longer you go without a win the more it affects your confidence.

“So to get that first win was massive and more importantly it gives the players’ belief in their own ability.

“And we have to carry that belief from Gloucester into the Solihull game, where we will have to be right on it again.”

City are again without Wayne Blossom and Nick Stanley, though Felipe Barcelos returns after missing the Gloucester trip due to illness.

Michael Lyon, however, will not feature after being released.

Ford explained: “We had a really open, honest conversation and he felt he was unable to commit to the travel and training regime that you need at this level.

“If ever there has been a player that has epitomised how I try to get my teams to perform then Michael is him.

“He has been magnificent. His honesty, integrity and his selflessness – to do things to help the team has been second to none.

“I am pretty disappointed (he is leaving) because he has been a real soldier for this club.

“But he will be a really good asset for whoever he joins.”

Oxford City: from Carter, Mills, Ballard, Learoyd, Malone, Willmott, Martin, Isaac, Benjamin, Basham, Cook, Stonehouse, Skendi, Barcelos, Sharif, Lyon, Gunn.

Banbury United are away to Kettering in the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division.