TOP scorer Adi Yussuf may have scored four times in his last two matches for Oxford City, but general manager Justin Merritt won’t let the striker get carried away, writes MATTHEW BRUCE.

Yussuf’s brace gave City a comfortable 2-0 victory at Stalybridge Celtic on Saturday and makes him the second leading scorer in the division with 12 goals.

But Merritt still wants to see the former Lincoln City striker continue to improve.

He said: “It’s very easy to look at the goals Adi’s scoring, but he can be a little frustrating when we’re trying to link the play up.

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“We’re actually working on improving that part of his game to set off our attacks.

“But he’s certainly a threat and he could have probably had another two today as well.”

City have had little trouble going forward this season, but have been undone at times by their poor defensive record.

But, with the arrival of keeper Salva de la Cruz and midfielder Mamadou Fofana – both of whom made their debuts on Saturday – Merritt feels City will be far more solid at the back.

“I thought the goalkeeper was excellent throughout,” Merritt said. “He dealt with crosses, punched at the right times and made some good saves.

“He’s brilliant with his feet as well, which gives you an extra dimension when you can go deep like that.

“Big Mo came on and did a job that we needed and he’ll get better and better.

“You don’t play 70 games in the Conference without being a very good player and he certainly is that.”

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