OXFORD City are confident of signing a goalkeeper in time for tonight’s home fixture against Weymouth.

The Vanarama National League South side return to action following a 3-0 defeat to Havant & Waterlooville at the weekend.

While City were left frustrated by the defeat, Craig King’s withdrawal at half-time through injury offered more cause for concern.

The 21-year-old has been struggling with knee ligament damage for the last couple of weeks and is expected to be sidelined for at least a fortnight.

King’s injury leaves Steven Caro as the only available senior keeper, but boss Mark Jones is optimistic of securing a loan signing this morning, meeting the 3.45pm deadline.

He said: “We are very confident of bringing in a very good goalkeeper from a Championship club before the Weymouth game.

“We’re initially looking at a month.”

Jones added: “Kingy’s certainly going to be out for a few weeks.

“He did have a scan about three weeks ago which showed some damage, but we felt it could be managed with reducing his training loads.

“But he’s not comfortable with it and I think that has shown in his performances.”

City were unable to convert their chances against Havant, who punished defensive lapses at the other end.

And Jones, who is also without forward Danny Rowe (knee), is expecting a reaction tonight.

He said: “The frustrating thing is we played some good football between both boxes.

“But we’ve got to be effective at both ends, that’s ultimately where the game is won and lost.”

Banbury United are also in action tonight, travelling to Peterborough Sports in BetVictor Southern League Premier Central, while North Leigh host Halesowen Town in Division 1 Central.

Thame United face Leighton Town in their Emirates FA Cup preliminary round replay.

TONIGHT’S TEAM

Oxford City: from Caro, Jones, Jefford, Ashby, Moore-Azille, Oastler, Wiltshire, Fleet, Brown, McEachran, Self, Fasanmade, Owusu, Wright, Tapp.