Oxford City boss Mike Ford admitted this week that there were times when he nearly gave up on injury-prone Mark Bell.

The talented young winger was out action for more than two years with a succession of injuries, and has only just returned to the side.

Bell came on as a second-half substitute in City’s Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division game at home to Weymouth last Saturday and made both goals in their 2-0 win, which keeps them firmly in the play-off picture.

“Mark’s a very talented player,” said Ford.

“Three seasons ago when we gained promotion to the Premier Division, he scored 19 goals from the wing as an 18-year-old.

“But he’s since had a lot of different injuries – it seemed to be a mechanical problem with his body.

“I must admit, there was a stage when I thought it might not be worth standing by him, but I’m glad I persevered with him.”

Bell will again be on the bench for tomorrow’s visit to mid-table side Frome.

“Mark’s fitness is way short of being able to do 90 minutes,” said Ford.

“After such a long time out, his body is not yet ready – I see him more as an impact player at the moment.”

Ford said the same about former Oxford United striker Steve Basham, who could also be on the bench at Frome, after more than two months out with a nagging Achilles tendon problem.

His injury and the departure of Lee Steele left City short of experience up front.

“Steve’s not ready to start yet, although he could play in the Oxfordshire Senior Cup tie at Banbury next Tuesday,” ad-mitted Ford.

Aaron Woodley has also been added to the City squad after recovering from an ankle injury.

The City boss expects a tough game in Somerset.

He said: “This is the time of the season you need to start grinding –and this will be another grind against a very physical and direct team.”

Banbury United, buoyed up by their 4-1 win at home to Stourbridge on Saturday, travel to Chesham United.

Manager Ady Fuller had given the Puritans a rollicking after three successive defeats, and his side responded with a resounding win.

It will be a good time to play the promotion-chasing Bucks team as they have won only twice in the last ten league games.

TOMORROW'S SQUAD.

Oxford City (v Frome, away): from Mooney, Clarke, Learoyd, Ballard, Fleet, Willmott, Malone, Benjamin, Taylor, Haysham, Martin, Bell, Barcelos, Lyon, Blossom, McEachran, Basham, Woodley.