OXFORD City Stars open their season with an ‘in-house challenge’ as their first and second teams do battle at Oxpens Road tomorrow night (6.15).

The match pits Oxford’s English National League Division 1 side against their development team, who play in the recently-formed Division 2.

First team player-coach Ken Forshee said: “Both teams are looking for a game to prepare for the start of the season.

“We have signed a lot of new players who will be eager to prove their worth and will be battling for their in-team position”.

Jeff Skyora, the development team’s newly-signed player-coach, added: “With the rise in standard at ENL1, local players have found it increasingly difficult to break into the ENL1 team.

“ENL2 was formed last year primarily to provide players an opportunity to develop their skills in hope of making it to the next level.

“Our game on Sunday is a fantastic opportunity to show our guys just how much we need to work to get to that level.”

Tickets cost £5 for adults, £3 for concessions and £13 for a family.  A ‘meet the players’ event takes place in the bar after the game.

NEW SIGNINGS

First team – netminders: Chris Douglas (Swindon), Patrick Russell (Great Britain Under 18). Out players: Fraser Hendry (Peterborough), Jacob Smith (Oxford City Stars Development), Josh Florey (Isle of Wight), Paul Gore, Lee Featherstone (both Milton Keynes).

Second team: Warren Jones, Tom Gilheany, Jack Maisey, Sam Arnold, Rob Rand (latter three all ex-juniors).