We take a closer look at our match vs Darlington ahead of our opening home match.

We kick-off our Vanarama National League North home campaign against Darlington on Saturday.

We take a closer look at the match and some of the stats and facts ahead of the clash.

#1

This is the first ever meeting between Oxford City & Darlington.

#2

Despite the two clubs never previously meeting, City have actually played in Darlington before. The Feethams Stadium was the host venue of the 1902/03 FA Amateur Cup Final replay where City lost 1-0 to Stockton after a 0-0 draw between the two teams in Reading.

#3

Having never played a league game against a side from County Durham prior to 2023/24, Darlington are the second team in two seasons from the county to face the Hoops (after Hartlepool United).

However, City's best days came against a side from the county, after the Hoops won the 1905/06 FA Amateur Cup Final vs Bishop Auckland.

#4

There are two players (that we can find) that have turned out for both City & Darlington. Jefferson Louis turned out on loan for the Quakers back in 2010/11 before moving to Oxford City in 2016. The other name we found was Chris Palmer, who followed a similar path, as he turned out for Darlington as a loanee back in 2007 before moving to Court Place Farm for a short spell in 2013.

#5

This won't be Darlington's first visit to Oxford. The Quakers have had several brushes with our neighbours Oxford United over the years in the EFL. They've also won in their last two visits to Oxford/The Kassam Stadium.

#6

The 2007/08 season was particularly successful for both Oxford City and Darlington. The Hoops won promotion from the Southern League Division 1 South & West (Step 4 of non-league) whereas the Quakers made the Coca Cola League Two Play-Offs (losing to Rochdale at the semi-final stage).