MARK Jones is backing his Oxford City players to bounce back when they entertain Hemel Hempstead Town at Court Place Farm.

Welling United inflicted a second defeat of the season on the side, who have picked up five points from as many Vanarama National League South games.

Although disappointed with aspects of City’s performance, boss Jones is confident his players will deliver tomorrow.

“I wasn’t happy with the way that we played last week,” he said.

“But even so, the score could have gone either way, and we were on the wrong end of a couple of decisions.

“We needed to be a bit brighter in everything we did, and we didn’t really press aggressively enough.

“There were moments of good football, and on another day, we may well have got something out of the game, but the players know that it was a missed opportunity.”

Jones names an unchanged squad, but goalkeeper Craig King (left) is suffering from a minor knee problem which requires careful management.

“We need to ease Kingy through games and manage his workload while he recovers,” said the City boss.

“It’s nothing serious, but obviously it’s important that we look after him.”

TOMORROW’S TEAM

Oxford City (v Hemel Hempstead Tn, home): from King, Jones, Jefford, Ashby, Moore-Azille, Oastler, Fleet, Brown, McEachran, Owusu, Self, Fasanmade, Wiltshire, Rowe, Tapp, Caro.