OXFORD City boss Mark Jones has secured the notable signature of striker Elliot Benyon ahead of tomorrow’s clash at home to Dartford.

The 32-year-old front man has a wealth of Football League experience, with Torquay United, Swindon Town and Southend United.

He has signed from Hayes & Yeading on a non-contract basis ahead of the Vanarama National League South clash.

City have been struggling in front of goal so far this term, and are languishing just one place above the relegation zone.

Jones said: “We are delighted to bring Elliot to the club – he is vastly experienced and will bring some real competition up front.

“We actually tried to sign him a couple of seasons ago, but it didn’t quite come off.

“He is a proven goalscorer, and we are hoping he will give us more potency in front of goal.”

City are desperate to pull away from the relegation zone, and Jones believes Benyon’s signing, plus the return of several senior players from injury, can set them up for a positive run.

“We’re obviously not at all happy with where we are in the league,” he said. “I’m not going to pull the wool over anyone’s eyes and say we are, we need to be doing much better.

“We’ve obviously had lots of injuries which really hasn’t helped us.

“We’ve been heavily depleted and have not had the strength in depth that we need.

“Although I’ve played the young lads, it’s not viable to put so many in the team at National League level, and so the return of key players is a big boost.”

Jones is hoping that City, who last weekend secured their place in the final qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup for the third successive year, can get some momentum.

“The (cup) runs we’ve had in the last couple of years almost galvanised the team and pushed us on, and I’m hoping that the win last week will give us that bit of confidence,” he said.

“We need to focus on the manageables and not worry too much about what the opposition are doing.”

Tarek Moore-Azille is the latest senior player to return from injury, the defender finally recovering from a dead leg.

Dan Rowe is also back in light training, although is not yet match fit, but Ben Barrett remains sidelined with a knee injury.

TOMORROW’S SQUAD

Oxford City (v Dartford, home): King, Jones, Jefford, Ashby, Oastler, Fleet, Brown, Moore-Azille, McEachran, Owusu, Self, Wiltshire, Tapp, Wright, Benyon, Beckles-Richards, Fasanmade.