Oxford City Manager Sam Cox is under no illusions as to how tough tomorrow’s test will be against a tough Oxford United side.

City’s pre-season has been excellent so far, with Cox’s new-look Hoops sweeping away the opposition they have faced to date.

However, Friday evening’s test with the Championship newcomers will be a steep step-up in challenge.

Nevertheless, the City gaffer is looking forward to seeing what his squad are made of as they prepare to test their mettle against Des Buckingham’s Yellows.

“I said to the boys at our meeting today, the first three games were against teams below us in the pyramid, but now we’re going towards the other end of the spectrum against Championship opposition.” Cox told www.oxfordcityfc.co.uk.

“This fixture has been historically one that the fans look forward to and I’m looking forward to the game. I’m also looking forward to the challenge for our players in possession, but we’ll be doing a lot of work out of possession too.

“It’ll be a great test for the boys against top opposition and I’m looking forward to it.

“I think our boys are in a good place.

“We’re approaching the halfway point of pre-season and as I’ve alluded to before, the squad is starting to take shape.

“We’ve targeted personnel in specific positions, and like I say, we’ve managed to get a lot of those over the line now.

“I think we’re just missing a couple, and then we’re pretty much complete.”

Wins against Barry Town United, Didcot Town and Kings Langley have certainly caught the eye. A staggering 23 goals scored in three fixtures doesn’t go under the radar.

Form like that wets the appetite for the big kick-off on the 10th August vs Marine, but it’s important to stay grounded. After all, how easy is it to get carried away in pre-season?

That’s something that Cox is crystal clear with. Despite the excitement towards the opening day and an exciting new campaign, he’s not getting carried away.

“I’m really excited. That match on the 10th (vs Marine) is obviously one we’re all looking forward to, but it’s a process and it’s early days.” Cox added.

“The methodology that we’re trying to apply takes time. We’re getting there, but there’s still a lot of work to do and it’s not going to happen overnight.

“It’s going to be a process, but we’re in a good place and I’m buzzing for tomorrow.”

Tickets are available for tomorrow’s match with Oxford United both online and on the turnstile. You can secure your tickets by clicking HERE.