OXFORD City general manager Justin Merritt said he was proud of his players despite defeat at Harrogate Town on Saturday.

City’s unbeaten start to the Vanarama Conference North season came to an end with a 1-0 loss in Yorkshire, but Merritt remained upbeat.

“I’m proud of the way we took the game to Harrogate, who are in a false position,” he said.

“It’s a long season and we’ve taken a step in the right direction today.

“As long as they keep putting in the performances and keep improving as a unit then we’re going to do well.”

City are a much-changed side from the one which struggled last season and Merritt has backed them to continue to improve over the course of this season.

He added: “Everyone who was at the game today will see that this is a good Oxford City team who are very new.

“By the time we’ve really gelled and we’re going into the Christmas period, I genuinely believe we’ll have some exciting times ahead.”

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