MATCH PREVIEW | FC HALIFAX TOWN VS OXFORD CITY
Oxford City back on the road to take on FC Halifax Town.
After just losing out to pre-season title favourites Chesterfield on Tuesday evening, Oxford City are back on the road and looking for their first points of the campaign. Halifax have started the season well and come into the fixture in seventh spot after two wins in their opening three matches.
FIXTURE DETAILS
FC Halifax Town vs Oxford City
Vanarama National League
The MBI Shay Stadium, Halifax
Saturday 19th August, 15:00
Referee: David McNamara Assistants: Timothy Walker & Stuart Richardson Fourth Official: Ian Ruddock
Oxford City are still looking for their first points in the fifth tier, and Saturday's trip to Yorkshire poses another difficult test against the current FA Trophy holders.
However, Ross Jenkins' men came agonisingly close to earning (what would've been) a well deserved point against early frontrunners Chesterfield. Will Grigg's 88th minute winner was tough for the Hoops to take, but nonetheless City continue to improve with every match as they continue to find their feed in the division.
Halifax on the other hand have started the season well. Two wins in their first three games has given the Shaymen an excellent start to the season, and after Tuesday evening's 2-1 victory away to Oldham, the mood is high in the camp.
In fact, Halifax have come into this fixture on the back of red-hot form. A momentous 1-0 win over Gateshead at Wembley gave the Town fans a moment they'll never forget back in May and, moreover, their hot-streak goes back further than that!
Early form indicates that three points for either side will be useful for differing reasons, but nonetheless, Saturday's match-up should be a very interesting clash.
PRE-MATCH THOUGHTS
Manager Ross Jenkins spoke to the media this week to preview of our trip to the Yorkshire.
“Looking at the results over the opening games, everyone seems to be beating everyone.
"The signs are there that we're improving, learning, developing and adapting. The question is whether we can replicate what we did on Tuesday and I'm really confident that if we can repeat those performances then we'll get results."
TEAM NEWS
Ross Jenkins will have a selection headache going into Saturday's match. The City Manager made three changes to his side on Tuesday evening and all three players (Latrell Humphrey-Ewers, Lewis Miccio & Pierre Fonkeu) impressed on the night.
Nya Kirby missed out with a slight knock, but is expected to be fit for the weekend.
Midfielder Zac McEachran is a doubt as he continues to try and shake off a virus that has sidelined him throughout the early stages of the season.
Meanwhile, Halifax Manager Chris Millington has added additional talent to his squad over the summer. However, perhaps it's the players that have stayed at the Shay that are most impressive.
Striker Rob Harker, formerly of Burnley's academy, grabbed his first goal of the season on Tuesday as he attempts to fill the boots of Mani
Dieseruvwe, who left for Hartlepool in the summer.
Midfielder Jack Evans has started the season on fire after signing from Hereford in the summer. He scored on his debut in the 2-0 opening day victory over Bromley. Otherwise, Chris Millington has no other injury worries from his squad.
RECENT FORM
Oxford City - L L L
It's been a difficult start to National League life for the Hoops, who are learning valuable lessons already about the division. The opening day 5-2 defeat to Aldershot was followed by a much more solidified performance from Ross Jenkins' men, but City were perhaps a tad unfortunate to come out with nothing.
On Tuesday night, supporters were expecting a one-sided match and a win for the pre-season title favourites. However, although the Spireites did return to Derbyshire with the three points, City's performance deserved a lot more on the night. Josh Parker grabbed his third goal in as many games and the Hoops proved that they can go shoulder to shoulder with the best teams in the division.
If City play the way they did on Tuesday evening throughout the season, they'll be picking up points in no time!
FC Halifax Town - W L W
Halifax ended last season in sensational form, winning the FA Trophy in May after a tight clash with fellow National League side Gateshead.
Furthermore, their form around the back end of the season wasn't to be sniffed at either, as the Shaymen went on an eight-match unbeaten run in the league, claiming an especially impressive scalp against eventual champions Wrexham.
They seem to have picked up where they left off too. An impressive 2-0 win over Bromley on the opening day got them off to the perfect start and despite defeat on the road to Boreham Wood, Town bounced straight back with a 2-1 win over promotion hopefuls Oldham Athletic at Boundary Park. Moreover, they were backed by over 800 fans on Tuesday evening.
The Yorkshire side ended the 22/23 season in 11th place, but if they can harness the momentum gained from the previous few months, they have every chance of securing a play-off spot.
ONE TO WATCH - Rob Harker
As we mentioned earlier, replacing Dieseruvwe's goals won't be easy. However, Rob Harker is the man who has been given the task to do just that for Halifax.
After impressing at Bury, Harker was quickly snapped up by Premier League side Burnley, where he went on to represent the Clarets' under 23 side (but never made a first team appearance).
A loan spell to Hartlepool United followed, but upon his release from Turf Moor, the striker crossed the Pennines to join Halifax. Since, he's perhaps not got the amount of goals his ability would suggest, but the Shaymen's number nine is off the mark for the season and will be looking to push on in a strong side.
HAVE WE MET BEFORE?
Out of all the teams in the division, Halifax are one of the sides that City have met in more recent years. The last meeting between the two sides coming in the 2012/13 season in the National League North.
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 the match? 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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