Oxford City boss Mike Ford has hailed the influence of winger Mark Bell as his side look to extend their unbeaten run to four matches at home to Harrogate Town in Blue Square Bet North tomorrow.

The forward, who returned from a spell at Bedford Town in January, was instrumental in Monday’s 2-1 win at Bradford Park Avenue and played his part in Wednesday’s 1-1 home draw against the same opponents, and Ford is delighted with his impact.

“We got Mark back from Bedford because he had something different to what we had at the club,” said Ford.

“He has an ability to get past players and open up defences.

“The lay-off (bad weather saw City inactive for a month) did not help him.

“He played and scored at Workington (on February 9) and it was no surprise we did well with him in the team.

“Although I wasn’t too happy with the way he reacted to being left out at Gainsborough, he was always pencilled in for Monday.

“He scored twice against Thame United (in the Oxfordshire Senior Cup) and set up both our goals at Bradford.

“That’s why he started again on Wednesday.”

Meanwhile, Steve Basham will lead the line against the north Yorkshire side after coming on against Bradford.

Ford said: “Steve and Nick Stanley came on for 20 minutes and although they looked a bit leggy, the run-out will help them for Saturday.

“Jamie Cook is at his mum’s wedding, so Steve will start.

“I will probably go with two up front, so it’s a case of who will play alongside him.

“I want us to be positive again. On Wednesday the lads were magnificent. “We played well in the first half and dug in after the break.

“We won up there (City triumphed 3-1 in September), but we will have to be at our very best to beat them.”

City will also be without Josh Mulvany (unavailable), while Ashan Holgate could miss out.

Ford said: “He was in the squad for Wednesday, but didn’t show up. I’ve not heard from him.”

Oxford City: from Townsend, Benjamin, Stonehouse, Ballard, Learoyd, Willmott, Pond, Malone, Barcelos, Bell, Basham, Stanley, McNish, Holgate, McEachran, Joyce.