MARK Jones believes Oxford City must win at least ten of their final 17 games to make the Vanarama National League South play-offs.

With his side now out of all the cup competitions, attention turns to building on their promising position in the table.

And Jones, who was named the division’s manager of the month for December, has now laid down the challenge to his squad.

“It was disappointing to go out of the FA Trophy at Maidstone last week, but we can now focus fully on the league,” he said.

“We want to put all of our energy and effort into that now.

“We have set a points target to try to make the play-offs, and we think we can do that.

“I think if we can achieve a total in the high 60s or low 70s we will sneak into the top seven, which has to be our target.”

City entertain struggling Gloucester City at Court Place Farm tomorrow, but they have already lost 1-0 to their opponents earlier in the season.

Kyran Wiltshire returns from suspension, while Jack Self is back in the squad after missing out last week due to being cup-tied.

Zac McEachran is struggling again with a persistent knee problem and will be assessed before the game, while Ben Jefford, who damaged ankle ligaments last week, is ruled out for at least a month.

Jones said: “It’s a real blow losing Ben. He’s been in good form and it’s a real shame for him.

“Unfortunately, a couple of loan deals that we had lined up have fallen through, and we are finding it quite difficult to bring in the right players to bolster the squad a bit.

“I’m reluctant to bring players in that are no better than those we have – I’d rather give more opportunities to our young academy players.”

Meanwhile, Jones says he was delighted keeper Craig King has committed to the club until the end of the 2019/20 campaign.

The talented stopper, who signed midway through last season, has produced a number of outstanding performances.

Jones said: “Craig is a quality keeper, who has done a great job for us.

“Any good team has a decent goalkeeper, and we’re pleased that he is happy at the club.”

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s game, Jones added: “Although they’ve been struggling a bit, they’ve just appointed a new manager, and we are keen to get our first league win of 2019.”

Oxford City (v Gloucester City, home): from King, Jones, Wiltshire, Carter, Ashby, Godwin-Malife, Oastler, Self, Fasanmade, Fleet, Tshimanga, Barrett, Bawling, Otudeko, Grantham, O’Donoghue, McEachran.