MATCH PREVIEW | ALDERSHOT TOWN VS OXFORD CITY
Hoops travel to Aldershot for historic opening day clash
Oxford City travel to Aldershot Town on Saturday afternoon for their first ever match in the Vanarama National League. Here, we take a look at everything you need to know about the two sides heading into this weekend's fixture...

FIXTURE DETAILS
Aldershot Town vs Oxford City
Vanarama National League
The EBB Stadium, Aldershot
Saturday 5th August, 15:00
Referee: Aaron Farmer | Assistants: Steven Scott & Ross Murphy | Fourth Official: Will Briers
Here we go...
We're ready to do it all over again, but this time, in the fifth tier of english football! The Vanarama National League awaits, and City travel to Aldershot Town on the opening day for an historic occasion. Both sides will be looking to start strong and shake off the cobwebs of the summer break.
However, as previously alluded to, the Hoops head to Aldershot on the back of a promotion from National League South, and after retaining the core of the squad over the summer, will be looking to continue their momentum into the 23/24 campaign. Summer additions Chris Haigh, Tafari Moore, Pierre Fonkeu, Marcin Brzozowski & Nya Kirby are all in contention to make their debuts.
Aldershot on the other hand are a team that have had a busy summer. Manager Tommy Widdrington has had his first full summer at the club since joining from Kings Lynn in April, and he has made some notable additions.
Midfielder Stuart O'Keefe, Striker Kwame Thomas and Defender Coby Rowe have all bolstered their ranks and after a strong finish to the previous campaign, the Shots will be looking to push on this season.
PRE-MATCH THOUGHTS
Manager Ross Jenkins spoke to the media this week to preview of our trip to the Hampshire.
“We’ve got to concentrate on ourselves a little bit. We’ve got to raise our standards and meet the level. Everyone has to up it by 10% and we’re all looking forward to doing that.
“Aldershot know the league inside out. Their manager is very experienced and they’ve had a lot of players come through the door and added to their squad and improving them.
“It’ll be a really competitive game.”
TEAM NEWS
Since May's Promotion Final victory, four players have departed the club with Joe Iaciofano, Jack Davies, Klaidi Lolos & Charlie Rowan all moving on to pastures new. However, the remainder of the squad have been retained.
Chris Haigh is eligible for selection after re-joining the club on-loan from Ebbsfleet United. Other new recruits Tafari Moore, Pierre Fonkeu, Marcin Brzozowski and Nya Kirby will all be vying for starting spot.
Meanwhile, our opponents will be without Christian Maghoma after he sustained a ruptured achilles in the Shots' pre-season friendly with Wycombe Wanderers. We'd like to wish Christian a speedy recovery and the very best with his rehab.
HAVE WE MET BEFORE?
This season we'll be coming up against some opponents that we've never met before. However, the last time we met Aldershot was back in the 1996/97 season.
In total we've met three times. Back in 1995/96 we met in the Isthmian League Division One (a year where City were promoted as champions!). In October, in front of almost 2,000 fans City won the first fixture 2-0 but then the Shots took their revenge later on in the season, winning at Court Place Farm (now the RAW Charging Stadium).
RECENT FORM
As ever, when entering a new season, form goes out of the window! However, both teams can take solace in their form towards the end of their 22/23 campaigns.
City's fairytale ending to the season speaks for itself. An impressive run in the National League South Play-Offs saw the Hoops promoted after a string of positive results.
Aldershot finished in 18th position last season, but the real improvement came when current manager Tommy Widdrington took the reigns. He guided the Shots to safety after taking over in April, going six games unbeaten in the league to finish the season five points clear of the relegation zone.
PLAYED FOR BOTH
There's been a whole host of players to play for both clubs. Michael Hector is probably one of the more successful players, as he turned out for both sides whilst on loan from Reading.
Strikers Kabongo Tshimanga, Mike Fondop, Bradley Bubb and Matt Paterson have also turned out for both clubs.
Others include: Dan Holman, Scott Davies, Joe Gubbins, Rob Sinclair, Marlon Jackson and Christian Oxlaide-Chamberlain.
HOW TO FOLLOW
FOLLOW THE ACTION:
Stay tuned to our official Twitter, Facebook and Instagram pages for all the build-up, regular updates and post-match action.
AUDIO/RADIO COMMENTARY:
Can't make it to Aldershot? BBC Radio Oxford will be providing full commentary of our opening match online!
Click HERE to head to the BBC's non-league commentary page where you'll be able to tune in at around 14:50.
INTERNATIONAL STREAMING:
The National League are delighted to announce a range of National League TV Match Passes available for the 2023/24 season.
When signing up to NLTV remember to select Oxford City as your chosen team!
To find out more about an international streaming pass click HERE
For details on how to sign up and register and purchase a pass click HERE
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