FOOTBALL: City ready for MK Dons test (From The Oxford Times)

FOOTBALL: City ready for MK Dons test

10:40am Thursday 15th July 2010 in

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Assistant manager Doug Graham says Oxford City are relishing the chance to pit their wits against npower League 1 side Milton Keynes Dons tonight (7.30).

With manager Mike Ford on holiday in Spain, Graham and newly-appointed coach Paul Wanless will take charge of City for the night.

And with Karl Robinson – who stepped up from assistant to Paul Ince to take charge – sending a strong side down to Court Place Farm, Graham is aware of the task facing his side.

“It’s great for the club that we have the prestige of a friendly like this,” Graham said.

“It’s going to be a real challenge for everyone here, and one we are all really looking forward to.

“We will obviously go out there and look to win the game, but more importantly it is a chance to see exactly what stage we are at.

“We had a pre-season plan mapped out, the players have been doing well, but this is where we see exactly where we are.”

Although City have lost star striker Lee Steele and key defender Andy Gunn, Ford has brought in Billy Beechers (from Abingdon United), Ollie Burgess (Corby), Craig McIlwain (Brackley), Jack Ashton (Banbury) and Tommy Kinch (Woodford).

With Richard Knight, Liam Malone, Dave Savage, Mark Janes, Andy Ballard, James Clarke, Elliot Sandy, Mark Bell, Jamie Brooks and Darren Pond all re-signing, Graham is hopeful of a good season.

“We are happy with our squad, and with maybe a few more new faces, we are hopeful – but I’m sure there are lots of clubs who are confident.”

MK Dons have announced a squad largely of first-team players, but with a number of youth team involved.

Tickets are £9 for adults, £4.50 for concessions, with children under 16 free.