BOSS Mark Jones believes keeping Josh Ashby at Oxford City will prove a real difference for his side going into the second half of the season.

The 20-year-old has played a major role for City in Vanarama National League South since joining on a youth loan from neighbours Oxford United in September.

The U’s have agreed to extend his loan deal until the end of the season, clearing the youngster to feature tomorrow at home to Bath City.

“It’s really good news, because we were very keen to keep Josh,” said caretaker-manager Jones.

“He’s an integral part of our midfield with Reece Fleet and losing him would have left us with a big gap to fill in the middle.

“Managing to get the deal agreed feels as good as making a new signing.

“I’m pleased he’s been enjoying his football here and that Oxford United are happy for him to continue his development with us.”

Ashby’s arrival coincided with an upturn in form for City, starting with a 3-1 win at Bath on his debut.

That was the first of three meetings with the Somerset side so far this season, with the pair playing twice in the Emirates FA Cup.

Just three points separate the two sides in the league table and Jones believes they are evenly matched.

“All three matches have been tight games,” he said.

“We’ve won one of them, drawn one and lost one, so there’s very little between us.

“I don’t expect an easy game by any stretch of the imagination.”

Winger Tom Winters is the only doubt this weekend after an illness during the week, but with only 15 senior players in the squad City can ill afford any absentees.

Tight finances have left Jones unable to add any fresh faces – a situation that is unlikely to change despite an expected windfall from transfer dealings this week.

City are still waiting on details of their fee from a sell-on clause triggered by former player Luke Coulson’s transfer from Eastleigh to Barnet on Tuesday, but Jones expects City’s cut to be minimal.

He said: “We heard the rumours that Championship clubs were interested and we were very much hoping that would offer the best deal.

“I wouldn’t have thought that the kind of money Barnet are spending will be life-changing for us.

“It perhaps wasn’t the deal we were hoping for.”

TOMORROW’S SQUAD

Oxford City (v Bath City, home): from Belford, Grant, Poku, Ashby, Henderson, Davies, Fleet, Ngathe, Winters, MacAuley, Fondop, Louis, Ngamvoulou, Peake-Pijnen, Niate.