ANDY Ballard is challenging Oxford City to build on their terrific victory over Vanarama National League South leaders Wealdstone when they visit Dartford tomorrow.

City led 2-0 at Court Place Farm last weekend before being pegged back to 2-2, only for Finn Tapp to head the winner with 13 minutes remaining.

It took Ballard’s men to within four points of Dartford, who occupy the final play-off spot, and the interim boss hopes the triumph gives his side a boost.

He said: “To a man, everyone put in a shift against Wealdstone, but it will count for little if we don’t continue that this weekend.

“There is definitely a real buzz among the lads now, not just because of the result, but the manner of it and the performance.

“I think we may have crumbled after being pegged back to 2-2 in previous weeks, but we didn’t, we dug deep and got a brilliant result.”

Oxford United loanee Max Harris impressed on debut against Wealdstone after regular keeper Craig King was ruled out with a groin injury.

The 20-year-old is expected to continue in goal tomorrow as King continues his recovery and Ballard was full of praise for the youngster.

He said: “Max came in and did really well for us.

“He was vocal, commanded his area and was confident throughout.

“He didn’t put a foot wrong and showed a lot of maturity.

“That was helped by our performance in front of him, they were putting a lot of aerial balls into the box, but we dealt with most of it and came out on top.”

City will also be without midfielder Josh Ashby, who serves the second game of a two-match suspension for accumulating ten bookings.

But Ballard believes the visitors can go to Dartford and put on another good show as they bid to make up ground on their opponents.

He said: “They are on a really good run and have had four wins on the spin.

“They have a new manager and some really good players, but we go there full of confidence.

“I think our result against Wealdstone will make a lot of people look at us and take notice.

“I’m not sure whether that’s a good thing or not, but it’s certainly a nice position to be in.”

Oxford City (v Dartford, away): from Harris, Jones, Jefford, Oastler, Wiltshire, Fleet, McEachran, Berkoe, Rowe, Lofthouse, Gordon, Tapp, Moore-Azille, Benyon, Owusu, George, Brown.