Oxford City boss Mike Ford has warned his players ahead of Saturday's third-qualifying round clash against underdogs Cirencester Town – write them off at your peril.

Victory against the Division 1 South & West outfit could mean they face a Conference team and take their cup-run prizemoney earnings to £15,000.

City, who are unbeaten in nine league and cup matches, beat Division 1 South & West leaders VTFC in the last round.

The Premier Division side reached the fourth qualifying round last season before falling to Conference side Eastbourne.

“We have the utmost respect for Cirencester,” said Ford who has twice been to see the fourth-placed Gloucestershire side, who are managed by ex-Witney Town boss Brian Hughes.

“They are used to winning and have some good experienced players, so they will be a tough proposition. We have to accept we are favourites and the players have to deal with that.”

The former Oxford United defender said Cirencester would be just as tough as VTFC.

“I know we only beat them 1-0, but we gave a good professional performance.

“I just keep saying to the players that if you do it right and stick to the game plan then that will win you games.

“They are now starting to realise that what they are doing produces good results.

“For the last nine games they have been fantastic.

“I have been delighted with the players over the last six weeks.

“And the attitude of players People like Michael Alexis, Jamie Brooks and Steve Davis who have not been in the team, has been first-class.”

Ford added: “In the league campaign you concentrate on the next game, but if I was to say that you look no further in the cup, then I would be telling lies.

“With the Conference sides coming into it and the possibility of getting a full-time side at home – and of course getting into the first round, it won’t go away.

“We need to make sure we do the job properly against Cirencester, but in a controlled way. We need to use our brains and stick to the same style.”

Oxford City (v Cirencester, home): from Knight, Ballard, Clarke, Baird, Perpetuini, Janes, Pond, Savage, Malone, Davis, Steele, Janes, Bell, Brooks, Alexis, Gunn.