OXFORD City boss Justin Merritt aims to apply the lessons learned from Vanarama Conference North leaders AFC Fylde to topple second-placed Barrow at Marsh Lane tomorrow, writes MATTHEW BRUCE.

City were defeated 2-1 at the table-toppers last weekend, having lost by the same scoreline at Conference high-fliers Woking just days before.

Despite the losses, Merritt said that the experience of those two matches will stand his side in good stead.

“Each game we play we learn from and try to take on board the things that we can do better,” he said.

“Having experienced the top level in this league, that’s the level we want to get to.

“It’s a good opportunity for us to pit ourselves against a very good side and we want to beat one of these teams to give us the confidence to push on.”

After seeing their options severely limited by a combination of injury, suspension and unavailability, City have been boosted by the return of several players.

Defender Lee Henderson returns after serving a three-match suspension, midfielder Mamadou Fofana has recovered from injury and centre back Jose Lapoujade has returned from Spain.

In addition, City also hope to name a new signing, believed to be former Manchester City and Cardiff youngster Luke Coulson.

The 20-year-old right back was released by the Welsh club at the end of last season and featured in a development match for Oxford United while on trial in November.

City have been without a recognised full-back during the last two matches, with striker Lewis Wilson deputising.

Merritt said: “Declan Benjamin going into midfield has been a big success, because he’s done extremely well in the last couple of games, so we don’t want to move him back.

“Lee Henderson has also obviously played at right back, but before his suspension he was doing well at centre half.

“As a coaching team it’s our job to get the best players on the field in their best positions, which isn’t always as easy as you’d hope.

“Bringing a recognised full-back into the side would help us out a lot.”

Oxford City (v Barrow, home): from Salva, Scott, Del Alamo, Santiago, Lapoujade, Henderson, Stonehouse, Pond, Rodriguez, Winters, Yussuf, Barcelos, Wilson, Benjamin, Murombedzi, Pearson, Jackson, Fofana.