ROSS Jenkins insists Oxford City will treat tonight’s play-off clash with Eastbourne Borough like any other game.

The Vanarama National League South eliminator tie takes place at Court Place Farm (7.45pm), with the winners going to Dorking Wanderers in Saturday’s semi-final.

It is the biggest match of City’s season and one of their most important in recent times, as they look to move one step closer to a first promotion to the Vanarama National League.

READ MORE: Oxford City target another record crowd for play-off clash

The significance of the fixture will be reflected in a bumper crowd, but Jenkins is confident his side will not get carried away.

The head coach said: “I don’t think we get too hyped up because we know every game’s going to be tough.

“As soon as you think you’re better than you are, you get stung.

“It’s important we keep a level head and go game-by-game.

“If we get a good win then we move onto Dorking, which is another tough game.

“We’ve got some fixtures that will really test us but everyone’s goal is to get promoted, so we’re all fighting for the same thing.

“It’s important we tackle Eastbourne first before thinking ahead.”

Jenkins kept City on course for the play-offs after stepping in following David Oldfield’s departure to Weymouth in January.

Initially as caretaker boss, the former Watford midfielder guided the club to 34 points from their final 19 games as they finished fifth in National League South.

It guaranteed a home tie against sixth-placed Eastbourne, who finished nine points behind City in the table.

Jenkins said: “The thing about getting a home tie is you’ve got to take advantage of it.

“They might be travelling a few hours to get here, so we have to start fast and see how we get on.

“The home tie is more about our environment, about our fans turning up and supporting us as they have done all season, so hopefully we can continue that.”

Tonight’s game is all-ticket and City are hoping to surpass the attendance of 1,208 for the Boxing Day win over Slough Town, a competitive record for the ground.

“Hopefully we can get a nice attendance,” Jenkins added.

“It’s a brilliant game for a neutral – if we weren’t in the play-offs I’d probably go and watch a play-off game myself.

“There’s a lot riding on it, so emotions will be high and hopefully we can put on a good performance for the fans, because they’ve been brilliant.”

Jenkins is aware City’s promotion bid will either be alive or in tatters by tomorrow morning – but he is still appreciating the significance of the occasion.

He said: “It’s a real honour to be the manager of this football club right now, because we’re in a position we’ve never really been in.

“We need to smile and relish it, but at the same time we need to put a good performance in.”