Oxford City boss Justin Merritt is refusing to give up hope of reaching the Vanarama Conference North play-off places, but knows his side’s fate rests on results elsewhere, writes MATTHEW BRUCE.

City travel to Gainsborough Trinity tomorrow needing to make up a four-point gap to fifth-placed Guiseley during their remaining two games, but Merritt remains hopeful.

He said: “It’s out of our hands now, but funny things do happen in football.

“Who would have thought we’d lose 8-1 and then win 7-2 days later or that we would have four goalkeepers sent off in five weeks?

“Anything can happen, especially at this time of year.”

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Realistically, City must win their final two games and hope the three other teams vying for the last two play-off places – Tamworth, Boston United and Guiseley – slip-up in their final games.

But Merritt said his side’s focus is simply on bringing their season to an end in a positive fashion with victory from their final two games.

“We just need to do our job and win the game and then see what’s happened elsewhere,” he said.

“It’s our last away journey and we’ve done well away from home this season. So we just want to come back with three points and see where it leaves us.

“I’m very keen to finish on a high and win both games and I know the lads are in a similar frame of mind.”

City are boosted by the return of midfielders Darren Mullings and Darren Pond from injury after lengthy absences.

Mullings hasn’t featured since November with a thigh problem, while Pond has missed the last seven matches with an ankle injury.

His last appearance was in City’s 1-1 draw at home to North Ferriby United.

“We look forward to welcoming both of them back,” said Merritt.

“It’s a little bit difficult for Darren Mullings, because he’s been out since before Christmas and he’s not had any game time at all since then. But it’s great to have him back.

“Pondy has obviously had a great season; he’s scored a number of goals and he’s been our captain for the latter part of it as well.”

TOMORROW’S SQUAD Oxford City (v Gainsborough Trinity): from Salva, Coulson, Benjamin, Stonehouse, Santiago, Lapoujade, Henderson, Fofana, Balmy, Wilson, Yussuf, Scott, Barcelos, Winters, Del Alamo, Jackson, Mullings, Pond.