MATCH PREVIEW | EBBSFLEET UNITED V OXFORD CITY
Oxford City face a Good Friday test against champions-elect Ebbsfleet United seeking to consolidate their play-off spot in the Vanarama National League South.
COUNTDOWN TO KICK-OFF
The Hoops will be confident off the back of an emphatic display in their last outing where they disposed of Tonbridge Angels in a 4-0 win whilst the Fleet need just a single point to virtually guarantee their status as VNLS champions.
LAST TIME OUT:
In the last league meeting between the two sides, the spoils were shared in a 1-1 draw at the RAW Charging Stadium as City became the first team to take points off of Ebbsfleet.
Heading into the reverse fixture earlier in the season, Ebbsfleet had enjoyed a dominant start to the season coming into the fixture. Rakish Bingham fired the Kent side into the lead half an hour into proceedings before Olly Sanderson’s equalised in the second half for Ross Jenkins’ men.
Following Sanderson’s neat equaliser, both sides had opportunities in pursuit of the winner in what turned out to be an entertaining affair.
Bingham led Ebbsfleet’s push for the winning goal and almost had a second only for a last ditch block from Tom Harrison from close range.
City would also have their share of opportunities with Klaidi Lolos going close before a tense finish which eventually culminated in neither side finding a second breakthrough and City bringing the opposition’s perfect start to the season to a halt in Oxfordshire.
FORM:
EBBSFLEET UNITED
Form: W D W W W
Saturday’s hosts are within touching distance of securing National League status next year as VNLS champions.
Dennis Kutrieb has seen his side cruise through most of the competition this season with his side occupying top spot with a 21-point gap between them and second placed Dartford – albeit with Dartford having played 2 games less.
However, Kutrieb’s men need just a point to ensure champion status.
Previous wins over Taunton Town, Slough Town and Dulwich Hamlet only extended a brilliant unbeaten run extending back to January. However, perhaps more impressive was a 7-2 demolition win against play-off hopefuls Worthing.
The Fleet have accumulated 14 wins from a possible 18 since their New Years Day defeat to Dartford whilst boasting the league’s best goal difference – scoring 95 and conceding just 41.
OXFORD CITY
Form: D W W D W
The Hoops outfit have also been on a strong run of form since the turn of the New Year currently find themselves unbeaten in five in the VNLS.
Their recent run consists of three wins and two draws currently placing them third – three points above Chelmsford who have a game in hand.
A brilliant Klaidi Lolos hattrick against Tonbridge Angels last weekend inspired City to a thrilling 4-0 win following a battling 2-2 draw against a game Dulwich Hamlet a week prior.
City had enjoyed an unbeaten run of 10 games at the beginning of the year before their home defeat to Farnborough but their ability to bounce back from such a result has seen them consolidate their position in the play off places.
ONE TO WATCH: Dominic Poleon
As one of the league’s full-time clubs, Ebbsfleet boast a number of key players in their setup that has seen them lead the way this season. Amongst the squad is the experienced Dominic Poleon who is one player City will have to try to nullify ahead of the fixture at the Kuflink Stadium.
The former Leeds United striker is on course to secure the golden boot this season as he currently has 33 goals in the league this season in 40 appearances.
Poleon possesses various traits that have allowed him to spearhead the Fleet’s attack this year, most notably his pace and ability to play off of wide areas tied with a potency in front of goal.
THE GAFFER'S THOUGHTS:
“They've been very consistent throughout and consistency gets you to the top of the table, week in week out.
“They have some really good players and they’ve earned the right to be there.
“They play fantastic football and they’re a pleasure to watch at times but on the flip side, we play a good brand of football too and I think it’ll be an entertaining game. We’re looking forward to it.
“We have to put the effort in for our fans. Hopefully we’ll get a few coming down to support us and we want to impress them."
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