Match Preview | Oxford City v Willand Rovers
Hoops start Emirates FA Cup campaign with Rovers clash.
City aim to get back on track with exciting Willand Rovers test.
The FA Cup is back at Court Place Farm, and Oxford City will be looking to arrest their winless run with a result to take them into the 3rd Qualifying Round of the competition.
City’s joint-best campaign in the competition was in 2020/21 when they fell narrowly short to Shrewsbury Town despite taking Salop to extra-time, but a goal from Daniel Udoh in the 108th minute knocked City out in heartbreaking fashion.
The Hoops have never made it to the Third Round in their history, but have made it into past the second qualifying round stage in six of the last seven seasons.
Willand Rovers have already had a taste of what this year's FA Cup has to offer.
The Rovers entered at the Extra Preliminary Round stage and haven't looked back since.
First the Step 4 side knocked two past AFC St Austell before taking Mousehole AFC to a replay away from home, then winning 1-0 in the reverse fixture. Rovers next welcomed Brixham AFC where another 1-0 victory was enough to see them progress.
However, It's important to know that the last time City met a Step 4 side, they were knocked out. A 2-0 defeat to Frome Town was tough to take, and City won't want a repeat of that on Saturday.
Willand's best run was a decade ago as they were knocked out of the Fourth Qualifying Round to Gosport Borough. If they could progress on Saturday, it would be one of the biggest results in the Devon side's recent history.
FIXTURE DETAILS
Oxford City v Willand Rovers
Court Place Farm - Saturday 14th September - 15:00
Emirates FA Cup Second Qualifying Round
Referee: Jordan Crossley Assistants: Daniel Malyon & Daniel Ing Fourth Official: Adam Jackson
RECENT FORM
OXFORD CITY - D L L L D
Winless in six, City are hoping of a victory to turn around matters, starting Saturday.
Although on paper there are no wins to date, the performances have improved, especially las time out in the Hoops' most recent run out, as they were held to a draw against Chorley in controversial circumstances.
Andre Burley and Corie Andrews were both on the scoresheet after a dominant first-half but City were pegged back to 2-2 draw after a bizarre red card for Andrews gave Chorley an invitation back into the game.
However, City know more than most that they need to get their first win on the board, but that won't be easy against an eager Rovers side.
WILLAND ROVERS - D W D W L
Having finished mid-table for the previous three seasons, Rovers will want to push on and have taken three draws from their first three league games.
In fact, as of now, they're one of the only teams across Step 4 to be currently unbeaten in the league.
However, despite their winless start they've enjoyed a good spell in the FA Cup.
Willand lost their first match of the season last time out as they suffered a 2-0 defeat to the hands of Bishops Cleeve in the FA Trophy.
However, in the FA Cup, any result is possible.
TEAM NEWS
Corie Andrews will be suspended for this fixture following his bizarre sending off in the second half of City's previous game with Chorley.
Cole Kpekawa will also serve his one-match suspension in this game, for the red card he received in the Hoops' defeat against Kidderminster last month.
Jalen Jones and Andre Burley have both returned from international duty and are available for selection. Kai McKenzie-Lyle didn't feature for Guyana over the international break and remains a doubt for this tie.
THE GAFFER'S THOUGHTS
We spoke to Manager Sam Cox ahead of Saturday's match. Read what he said by clicking HERE.
ONE TO WATCH - Fin Rooke
The prolific goalscorer has found the back of the net three times already in this year's Emirates FA Cup and will hope to increase that tally when they travel to Oxfordshire, making him this weeks
'One To Watch'.
THE MANAGER - David Steele
Veteran midfielder, who has played either for Rovers or Tiverton Town since the late 1990s.
Very adaptable player, using his extensive knowledge of the game to good effect, and a great communicator on the field.
Steele has also chalked up 150 goals for the club; making him the leading goal scorer of all time at Willand Rovers.
Steele then stepped up to take on the role of Manager in June 2022: after being Assistant Manager to Russell Jee over the past few years.
