OXFORD City kick-off the Vanarama National League South campaign with their first competitive game for almost six months.

David Oldfield’s side travel to Braintree Town tomorrow, having seen their 2020/21 season finish with a 3-1 Buildbase FA Trophy quarter-final defeat at Notts County on February 27.

The National League South campaign was declared null and void that month, with City fourth in the table.

Oldfield has made several signings during the extended break, with centre back Jack Davies yesterday becoming the latest arrival after joining on loan from MK Dons.

The City boss has had a long summer to prepare his squad and he cannot wait to get going.

He said: “We’re looking forward to the start.

“It has been a longer pre-season than normal because many teams came back earlier.

“Irrespective of the results, we need to make sure we’re performing for our supporters.”

Davies signed his first professional contract with Dons last summer and made five first-team appearances last season.

Four of those came in the Papa John’s Trophy, but the 18-year-old made his Sky Bet League One debut as a late substitute against Peterborough United in January.

He goes straight into the squad for the trip to Braintree, with City’s first home game of the season coming a week tomorrow against Concord Rangers.

ANDY Whing hopes an injection of young talent is the key to success for Banbury United this season.

The Puritans, who host Stourbridge in their Pitching In Southern League Premier Central opener tomorrow, have signed several players who came through Football League academies.

Whing said: “We want to win the ball back early and stifle teams in their half – it’s a change of mentality.

“There’s been some tough decisions, but we feel we’ve got a good core of experience to add to that.”

North Leigh entertain Kempston Rovers and Wantage Town host Barton Rovers in Division 1 Central.

Meanwhile, Didcot Town go to Aylesbury United, Kidlington visit Ware and Thame United are at Welwyn Garden City.