OXFORD City have made a double signing as they look to bounce back from last week’s 7-1 mauling at Dartford when they host Welling United tomorrow.

Boss Mark Jones has snapped up Oxford United goalkeeper Jack Stevens on a six-month loan deal and also signed experienced midfielder Rob Sinclair, who joins on free transfer from Forest Green Rovers.

Both go straight into the squad, with the City chief delighted at the double capture.

“We have had Jack at the club before, and he has a lot of potential,” Jones said of the 20-year-old.

“Oxford United have been really pleased with his development over the last six or seven months, and he is an excellent signing for us.”

City fought off competition from National Premier sides Wrexham and Barrow for Sinclair, who has signed a two-year contract.

“Rob is a very talented player who can play anywhere across midfield,” Jones said.

“He’s just about to turn 28, so he’s at the peak of his career. There were a lot of big clubs in for him, so I’m very pleased he has come to us.

“He has made over 100 appearances for Forest Green, but fell out of favour with the manager there.”

Keeper Craig Hill and defender Guri Demuria have left the club, and Jones was quick to pay tribute to the departing duo.

“Unfortunately, clubs at our level have to balance the books, and to bring players like Rob in, we had to let some go,” he said.

“They have both been tremendous for us, and it’s been a very difficult decision. But sometimes, you have to make decisions that will benefit the team in the long term.

“I may have to let one or two others leave over the next week or so.”

City are looking to recover from last week’s hammering, which Jones believes was a one-off.

“The new signings are not a kneejerk reaction,” he said. “Sometimes when opportunities become available, you have to take them.

“But there’s no doubt we need a response. We were very disappointed.

“I’m putting the performance down as a one-off. We need to look forward and I’m looking for a positive reaction, and I think the two new players will freshen things up a bit.”

Mo Fofana, stretchered off last week, is ruled out with a hamstring injury, although it is not as bad as first feared and he should only be out for a few weeks.

Freddie Grant, who was red-carded at Dartford, begins a three-match ban, but Justin Bennett returns from a knee injury.

Oxford City (v Welling Utd, home): Stevens, Poku, Jones, Henderson, Oastler, McEachran, Fleet, Paterson, Sinclair, Hirst, Peace, Bennett, Navarro, Ngathe, Forde.