Oxford City assistant manager Mike Ford has hailed the players' efforts in the first half of the season and called for more of the same.

On Boxing Day, City fought back from 2-1 down to win 3-2 at Uxbridge.

And a win away to strugglers Newport IOW on Saturday could see them return to the top of British Gas Business Southern League Division 1 South & West.

"We spoke to the players about the need to be beating teams in the top six and we've done that against Uxbridge," said Ford.

"It was a fantasic win for us, because from going a goal up in the first half, we found ourselves 2-1 down and then we get it back to 2-2 before Mark Bell scored the winner.

"I know they are not doing well, but we need to go there an show them a massive amount of respect to Newport.

"If we play to the standard we are capable of, then we can win the game and get back on that ferry with three points.

"We lost at Fleet when we didn't play well, but we then won the next. It's how you bounce back that counts."

Ford added: "Generally, I am very pleased with the way it's going.

"We have put ourselves in a good position, but we're only at the halfway stage. There is still a long way to go.

"We have now got to kick on."

City will be without Jon Gardner and Andy Gunn who are unavailable.

"Originally, we weren't going to play on Saturday and this one has been re-arranged, but some people made arrangements which they can't change."

Meanwhile, Ford said they had not ruled out young Wycombe defender Stuart Cattell returning to Court Place Farm.

Cattell had to return to the League Two club after spending three months on loan at City.

Ford added: "Because you can only loan a player for three months, we can't do anything until the January transfer window.

"I think his contract is up in the summer and they will want to make a decision about him.

"If he becomes available then we would be very interested.

"I would love it if they offered him a new contract. But from a selfish point of view, we want him back here."

Oxford C: from Smith, Saulsbury, Woodruffe, Pond, Avery, Malone, McSporran, Redknap, Anya, Jones, Davis, Bell, Stewart, Williams.