Oxford City go into tomorrow’s home clash with Tonbridge Angels full of confidence after their brilliant 2-1 midweek win over Dorking Wanderers.

The victory over the promotion-chasers stretched City’s unbeaten run to three games and moved them to within six points of the Vanarama National League South play-offs.

Interim joint manager Andy Ballard was delighted with the display on Tuesday and believes his side can carry that into the visit of Tonbridge.

He said: “We knew that Dorking would be a tough game, and knew we’d probably have less ball, but we managed the game fantastically well.

“It was a shame we conceded a goal, but I thought we were good value for the win.

“We’ve had a good little run and are building momentum again, so it’s important we carry this on.

“We’re not safe yet, but we’re looking up rather than down.

“Doing the double over Slough and Dorking will keep us in and around the top half of the table.”

Nana Owusu bagged a second-half winner against Dorking after the visitors had cancelled out Zac McEachran’s fifth-minute opener.

The talented midfielder produced a sensational strike to give City the lead and Ballard was quick to single him out for praise.

He said: “It’s not the first time he’s done that this season.

“He seems to pick up the ball in pockets of space and gets his shots away, and it was a top strike.”

City will be without skipper Joe Oastler for tomorrow’s clash as he serves a one-match ban following his red card in the goalless draw at St Albans City last weekend.

Ballard admitted Oastler’s absence will be a big miss as they face a side whose form belies their position of second-bottom.

Tonbridge’s 3-1 loss at Chelmsford City on Monday was their first league defeat of 2020, ending a five-match unbeaten run that has boosted their survival hopes.

Nevertheless, City’s boss hopes the hosts will be able to cope with whatever their opponents have to throw at them.

Ballard said: “Joe will be a massive loss, he’s our captain and has been playing fantastically.

“But we’ve got players capable of stepping into positions. We will be fully prepared for Saturday.”

City drew 4-4 at Tonbridge earlier in the season in an extraordinary game which included four goals in the final five minutes.

Although his side showed impressive attacking prowess that day, Ballard is expecting better defending this time around.

He said: “I’d obviously like to see the four goals to us, but hopefully not concede so many.

“Tonbridge are scrapping for their lives, so we will have to be on top of our game to get a victory.”

Jenson Wright has been recalled from his loan spell at Banbury United and is back in the squad.

Oxford City (v Tonbridge Angels, home): from King, Jones, Jefford, Wiltshire, Fleet, Ashby, McEachran, Berkoe, Lofthouse, Gordon, Moore-Azille, Benyon, Owusu, George, Barrett, Wright.