OXFORD City boss Mark Jones admits the decision to let Matt Paterson leave the club was a tough one to make.

Last season’s top scorer was left out of the Emirates FA Cup win over Dartford and last night signed for fellow Vanarama National League South side Welling.

Jones says the striker’s departure was his decision, and while he accepts it will raise some eyebrows, believes it will be for the benefit of the club.

“This decision was not easy, and it’s not been instigated by Matt in any way, shape or form,” the manager said.

“It’s a decision that I needed to make as I felt we needed to change something within our squad.

“I feel we could have the opportunity of bringing in a couple of players, but to do that, I need to work within the budget that the club have given me.

“That is a competitive budget this year, but at the moment I am slightly over it.”

He added: “The facts are, in September, we didn’t win a league game.

“I felt we had lots of possession, but weren’t threatening the opposition enough.

“The balance wasn’t right at all, and I just feel that the team might function better without Matt in it.

“That’s been my call, I can understand people disagreeing with me with his goalscoring stats.

“I have to say, it’s been a pleasure to work with Matt and this decision is nothing personal, I just feel we need to change something.

“Matt is an asset, and I knew there would be interest in him, so the decision is partly a financial one, but also one for the good of the team – letting him go will perhaps allow me to bring two or three players in.”

City entertain Concord Rangers tomorrow, looking to halt a run of four straight league defeats.

Jones said: “We’ve had good results in the FA Cup, but we need to turn that into league points now.

“I do believe we are better than the position we are in, but we need to start getting some points. I think the little tweaks we are making will see us turn things around.”

Oxford City (v Concord Rangers, home): from King, Jones, Jefford, Ashby, Ruddick, Oastler, McEachran, Fleet, Tshimanga, Wiltshire, Carter, Stewart, Caro, Krasniqi, Sinclair, Bawling.

FAMILIES can gain free entrance to City’s game if they download a ticket on the club’s website.

As part of the Non-League day, City are offering free entry to families of up to two adults and two children.

Visit oxfordcityfc.co.uk, print off the ticket, and present it at the turnstiles.