Oxford City have dealt a blow in their bid to stay in the Premier Division after Craig McIllwain suffered a broken nose.
The centre back suffered the injury in Saturday’s 3-3 draw with Cirencester Town and definitely misses Tuesday's home game against Tiverton Town.
“He’s probably going to be out for the rest of the season,” said Ford.
“It’s a massive blow to us because he has been excellent for us.”
He said McIllwain wil be replaced at the back by Richard Peirson.
Meanwhile, Ford says his team have to cut out the mistakes at the back.
He added: “Earlier in the season we were keeping it tight at the back, but not scoring. Now it’s gone the other way, so we need to get back to defending at all costs.”
City are without Dave Savage (away), though James Organ is back after injury.
Banbury United will be without David Staff and Malachi Farquharson (both unavailable) away to Hednesford.
“They are flying, so it will be tough, but we will go there and give it a go,” said manager Billy Jeffrey, who gives Jack Ashton (hamstring) a late fitness test.
North Leigh miss Tom Franklin (ankle injury), Kieran Sanders (banned) and Ben Reardon (holiday) at high-fliers Sholing in Division 1 South & West.
Simon Futcher (ankle) and Andy McCabe (hamstring) face late tests.
Banbury Utd (v Hednesford Tn, away): from Murrell, Stanbridge, Maddox, Gordon, Learoyd, Farqharson, Coleman, Benjamin, Stone, Rose, Ashton, Staff, Haisley, McDonald.
Oxford City (v Tiverton Tn, home): from White, McIllwain, Blossom, Clarke, Ballard, Malone, Lyon, Barcelos, Steele, Martin, Peirson,Hughes, Anderson, Isaac.
North Leigh (v Sholing,away): from Lonsdale, Elkins, Hopkins, Clark, Huxley, Hole, Burnell, Futcher, Taylor, Caton, Dutton-Black, Bowles, Saunders, Merriman.
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