FOOTBALL: Ford delight at Benjamin form (From The Oxford Times)

FOOTBALL: Ford delight at Benjamin form

10:00am Friday 14th September 2012 in Football By Nick Farrant, Sports reporter specialising in Non League Football. Call me on 01865 425488

Oxford City boss Mike Ford has praised the contribution of midfielder Declan Benjamin and says there is still more to come.

Since he returned after a two-game absence, Benjamin has helped City to a 4-2 win against Boston United and last weekend, scored in the 2-2 home draw with Altrincham in Blue Square Bet North.

Ford says Benjamin has proved he can cut it in the league and wants him to keep up the good work away to Harrogate Town tomorrow.

“At the start of the season , I was on Declan’s case about not scoring enough goals – he’s got three so far,” said Ford.

“I know he prefers to play in the middle, but our central two are playing so well, that I have played him wide to complement Jamie Cook and he’s done really well.

“He has shown that he can play at this level, but I want him to get more goals and to improve his play.

“Like the rest of the team I would give him seven to seven and a half out of ten so far.

“I want him to be getting eights and nines.”

Meanwhile, Ford says his side need to show less naivety when they find the net.

He added: “We have taken the lead in our last three games, but the opposition have equalised within a few minutes.

“Maybe we should not go all-out to get that second goal, but try to protect our lead and take the chance when it comes.

“We need to learn, but it’s going to need a little time to get battle-hardened.”

Andy Ballard returns after missing the last two games with an ankle injury, while Chris Willmott, sent off against Altrincham, is available as he doesn't serve his one-match ban until the FA Cup trip to Yate next weekend.

Oxford City (v Harrogate Tn, away): Carter, Mills, Gunn, Willmott, Stonehouse, Cook , Malone, Pond, Benjamin, Basham, Shariff, Blossom, Barcelos, Isaac, Learoyd, Skendi.