OXFORD City hope Blue Square Bet Conference chiefs will let the newly-promoted club stage their home fixtures when Oxford United are playing away.

Although City cannot make a formal request, all Conference clubs have been asked to state any preferences for matches – something they have been unable to do in the past.

Managed by Mike Ford, pictured, City won promotion after beating AFC Totton in the Southern League Premier Division play-offs.

They will find out on Monday – when the fixtures are released – if the Conference have backed their request.

And they believe such an arrangement would help swell attendances at Court Place Farm.

“The crowds for the play-offs were very encouraging,” said secretary John Shepperd.

“It proved a point that there is potential for more people to come along because United had finished their season by then.

“It’s just a case of seeing what happens. I think there may be an occasion when the fixtures will clash, but we can only hope for the best.”

  • CITY have cancelled their friendly with Wycombe on August 8 as the League Two club play at Watford in the first round of the Capital One Cup three days later.

Shepperd added: “It’s a shame, so we’re now trying to organise a fixture with another side.”