Match Preview: Braintree Town vs Oxford City
Oxford City will look to extend their unbeaten run in Vanarama National League South with a tough clash away at Braintree Town (Kick-off 19:45).
COUNTDOWN TO KICK-OFF
Braintree have dramatically u-turned in form since last season. Their relegation form under old manager Ryan Maxwell has been turned into a play-off push with new gaffer Angelo Harrop.
City dropped points on Saturday after a difficult clash with Dulwich Hamlet and will be looking for three points on the road for a consecutive away fixture.
LAST TIME OUT:
City left it late to steal a valuable point against a stubborn Braintree side. Joe Iaciofano made no mistake from the spot, which kept City in the play-off hunt but the Iron (with current Hoop Jean-Baptiste Fischer in their side) were left heartbroken as they continued to battle against relegation.
FORM:
BRAINTREE TOWN
Form: LLDWD
Despite turning their fortunes around, Braintree's form has dipped recently. A heavy defeat to Dartford followed by a 1-0 loss to struggling Weymouth saw the Iron drop down the league table.
Furthermore, despite a 3-2 win over Hungerford, goalless draws with Farnborough and Taunton makes tonight's game a must win game for Town.
OXFORD CITY
Form: DWDWD
City have kept up their inconsistent form in terms of match outcomes but the Hoops continue to steadily pick up points in Vanarama National League South.
Saturday's draw with Dulwich Hamlet kept City in eighth place in the league table but victory over the Iron would mean Ross Jenkins' side would leapfrog their opponents, possibly into a play-off place.
ONE TO WATCH: Alfie Matthews
Chipping in with five goals this season, Matthews is a big part of Braintree's success this season. The versatile attacker played a big role in Welling's survival last season and now is looking for success at the other end of the table with the Iron.
Matthews progressed through the ranks at Premier League side Arsenal before moving on to Crystal Palace. However, he never made an appearance in the first team for either of those sides and has taken his first steps in senior football playing in England's sixth tier.
THE GAFFER'S THOUGHTS: ROSS JENKINS
“They're a very strong and organised team. They're doing really well this season and the game is going to be a battle for sure.
"We've got to go there with the same positive mentality going in to games as we have done all season. It's important we go there and put in a good performance."
HOW TO FOLLOW THE GAME:
Twitter: @OxCityFC
Facebook: Oxford City FC
Instagram: @oxcityfc
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