OXFORD City boss Mark Jones has told his squad they are playing for their futures.

Last week’s impressive 4-1 win over Dulwich Hamlet all but ensured a mid-table finish in Vanarama National League South.

But Jones, who is eyeing a top-half spot, will not allow his side to take their foot off the gas in their final six matches, starting with tomorrow’s trip to third-placed Chelmsford City.

“My message to my players is they are playing for contracts next season,” he said.

“We still have a lot to play for and a place in the top half would be a good improvement on last year.”

He added: “We’ve got six really tough games left, but confidence is back and if we can continue to put in the same effort that we have done recently, we can finish in the top half.

“We are up against many teams that are fighting for play-off positions, so it will be tough.

“But we will give it our best shot.”

Jones was delighted with last week’s result which saw all four goals come in a superb first-half display.

“It was a good, clinical performance,” he said.

“They had lots of possession, but our shape was good and we always posed a threat and took our chances, which proved the difference.

“Things went in our favour with a couple of penalties, but we were due something.

“It was great to see a nice crowd and a good atmosphere.

“We wanted to put in a performance for our home fans, and we did just that.”

City have played Chelmsford twice this season with a defeat at home in the league but a win in the FA Trophy.

However, they will again be without Ben Jefford who will not feature again this season with his ankle injury.

The defender will have an operation and miss the remainder of the campaign.

Albie Hopkins has returned to Oxford United after a loan spell, and so Jones may look to recall a couple of his youngsters from loan.

Craig Fasnamade, who has been at Thame United and Ben Barrett, who has been playing at North Leigh, could be named in City’s matchday squad.

TOMORROW'S TEAM

Oxford City (v Chelmsford City, away): from King, Jones, Moore-Azille, Oastler, Ashby, Fleet, Wiltshire, Tshimanga, Thomas-Asante, Case, Self, Bawling, O’Donohue, James, Caro, Fasnamade, Barrett.