DAVID Oldfield is expecting another tricky 90 minutes when Oxford City travel to Braintree Town tonight.

The hosts moved off the bottom of Vanarama National League South with a shock 2-1 victory over then-leaders Dartford on Saturday.

They were replaced at the foot of the table by Welling United, who gave City a real test at Court Place Farm and came away with a 0-0 draw.

Read also: David Oldfield's reaction to Oxford City's draw with Welling United

It will be a third game in six days for Oldfield’s side, after their previous four matches were postponed because of Covid.

City won 3-1 at Billericay Town last Wednesday, but their manager believes they will have to be even better to take three points from another trip to Essex.

Oldfield said: “Every single game is a huge challenge for us.

“We don’t have a huge amount of bodies, but the lads are fully committed and work really hard.

“It’s going to be a massive test, but one that we relish.

“We need to make sure we improve on our last away game and certainly be better than Saturday.”

Oldfield can call on 20-year-old centre back Sam Cartwright, who yesterday signed on loan from Peterborough United until the end of the season.

City are now unbeaten in six matches and moved into the National League South 
play-off places on Saturday.

Their good form saw Oldfield named the division’s manager of the month for December, after his side claimed three victories and a draw.

City do not have another free Tuesday until February 23 after some of their postponed Christmas games were rescheduled.

They visit Hemel Hempstead Town this time next week, while the trip to Slough Town is on February 2.