OXFORD City boss Mark Jones is eyeing a top-half finish after his side all but secured Vanarama National League South safety.

Last week’s 1-0 win at East Thurrock United – their second successive victory on the road – leaves City 13 points above the drop zone with seven games remaining.

And Jones is now hoping for a flying end to the season, starting with tomorrow’s home clash with Dulwich Hamlet.

“It would be nice if we could aim for a top-half finish,” he said.

“But to do that, we need to pick up four or five wins, which is a tough ask.

“We certainly aren’t getting carried away by two away wins, because if you look at our home form, it’s been really poor – we haven’t won at home since December.”

City’s wretched run at Court Place Farm has left Jones scratching his head.

And the boss could tweak a few things in a bid to stop the rot.

“It is concerning,” he said.

“Away from home we’ve set up well and defended well, but I think at home, perhaps we’ve been a little bit too attacking and forgotten some of the basics and those battling defensive qualities.

“We need to get that balance between attack and defence right, and it’s my job to do so.”

Jones believes City can play without fear for the final run of matches, but will not allow his players to take their foot off the gas.

“We’re 13 points off the bottom three now, so the pressure is off really,” he said.

“If we can finish mid-table – maybe just into the top half – with the decent cup run we had too, most people would look at that as a pretty decent season.

“The lads are very professional and will all stay switched on until the final ball is kicked.

“A good motivation for the boys is to put on a much-needed performance for our home supporters.”

Ben Jefford and Zac McEa-chran remain sidelined with ankle and knee injuries respectively, while on-loan defender Joel Dielna is still out with a hamstring problem.

Jones added: “Dulwich have had a difficult season, but are a tough and physical side and still have a lot to play for.

“I think we need to remember that this time last year we were desperate for points to avoid relegation, so we’ve moved in the right direction.”

Oxford City (v Dulwich Ham, home): from King, Jones, Moore-Azille, Oastler, Ashby, Fleet, Wiltshire, Tshimanga, Thomas-Asante, Case, Self, Bawling, O’Donohue, Caro.