Terry Brown admits the way Margate's season is going they are probably favourites to win at second-placed Oxford City on Saturday.

The Blues have only won two of their 12 games in Vanarama National League South so far this season, but both came against sides who were in the top echelons of the table at the time - Eastbourne Borough and Gosport Borough.

In contrast, three of their six defeats have come against sides in the bottom six - St Albans, Havant and Waterlooville and Weston-super-Mare, who were bottom of the pile when they won 2-0 at Hartsdown Park on October 3.

Margate go into the match, in 19th, but Brown believes they have nothing to fear against Oxford, who rely on a large contingent of Spanish players.

He said: "They're second in the league so working on that premise we're probably odds on

favourites to win!

"We've had them watched a couple of times and spoke to various managers at the clubs they've played and they've all said the same thing. They are the best footballing side in the league.

"I admire the way they play and it will be interesting because most of the sides we play, sit back behind the ball and play no risk football."

Brown wants his side to build on the 4-1 FA Cup victory over Truro City last weekend - their first home win this season - and he also hopes Freddie Ladapo to continue where he left off after scoring one goal and creating two more.

He added: "Freddie has everything and when he's on form he's almost unplayable at this level."

Brown had hoped to name an unchanged side for the trip to Oxford but may be forced into at least one change with defender Jake Goodman suffering from a bruised instep, sustained against Truro. Brett Johnson replaced him in that game and would deputise.

Charlie Allen is available - despite his red card against Truro - but is likely to continue on the bench and Brown says he is not sure, at this stage, whether the club would look to extend his short term deal beyond the six weeks originally agreed.

Brown said: "Charlie will get a three-match ban which pretty much sees out the rest of the six weeks.What we do after that depends on a lot of things including whether Lewis Taylor (Achilles) is back from his injury or if we have a cup run."