ANDY Whing has praised his small squad of players for stepping up a level as they prepare for another quick turnaround in fixtures this evening.

Banbury United came from behind to beat Scarborough Athletic in the sides’ top of the table clash in Vanarama National League North at the weekend.

Goals from Ben Acquaye and Harry Parsons completed victory for the Puritans after going 1-0 down at Spencer Stadium.

Prior to the game, Whing made three signings, all of whom went straight into the squad for the Scarborough game.

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Josh Dugmore, a 19-year-old right back, joined from AFC Telford United, while 18-year-old wide midfielder Craig Hewitt arrived on a permanent basis from Coventry City.

Mo Dabre, a 19-year-old midfielder, joined on a 28-day loan from Swindon Town.

Those signings have boosted personnel options for the Puritans, who host Gloucester City this evening.

The Tigers were beaten 3-0 at Chorley on Saturday, with all the goals coming in a 20-minute spell in the second half.

Whing said he is anticipating a response from 15th-placed Gloucester as the Puritans look to take top spot from King’s Lynn Town.

He said: “We’ve changed our shape this season but in terms of our identity, it’s exactly the same.

“We know it’s going to be a tough game, I don’t think their manager was too happy with their performance on Saturday, so we’re expecting a reaction from that.

“They’re a well-established National League North team so it’s going to be a tough one for us.

“Games are a lot tougher in this league, we’ve been struggling with knocks so we’re trying to make use of a smallish squad.

“The games come thick and fast, players have to try and reproduce performances when it’s a lot tougher though.”

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Oxford City must put the disappointment of a contentious penalty decision against them when they host National League South leaders Ebbsfleet United this evening.

Head coach Ross Jenkins was critical of the call to award a penalty against Canice Carroll for a handball against Bath City on Saturday, with the defender appearing to be outside the area when the ball struck him.

The Hoops were 3-2 up when the spot-kick was given, however they will have to shake that off when they welcome Ebbsfleet.

The Kent side have won nine out of nine in the league this season, and sit four points above Havant & Waterlooville in second.

Jenkins said: “It’s going to be a real tough game but every game in this league is tough, there’s no easy ones.

“Tuesday isn’t going to be an easy one by any means.”

Speaking after the 3-3 draw with Bath, Jenkins added: “The boys have got to rest up, it was a big shift.

“They’ve got to again and recover correctly, and eat the right food and get enough fluid on board for Tuesday.

“We know it’s going to be a tough game, but the boys are ready for it.”