MATCH PREVIEW | HUNGERFORD TOWN V OXFORD CITY
Oxford City will look to carry on their unbeaten start to 2023 with a positive result away at Hungerford Town in Vanarama National League South.
COUNTDOWN TO KICK-OFF
Saturday's impressive 3-1 win over Weymouth kept the pressure on Oxford City's fellow play-off contenders but the trip to a Hungerford side who are fighting for their lives won't be easy.
City Goalkeeper Archie Matthews returned to parent club Swansea City this week after sustaining an injury in the OFA Senior Cup Quarter-Final with Oxford United last week. Whereas Jack Davies will serve his one-match suspension for the red card he received in the same cup tie.
LAST TIME OUT:
Josh Parker's stunning strike stole the show as the Hoops came out on top in a 2-0 win. The striker sent a scorching shot into the top corner from 30-yards out before Charlie Rowan added a second goal after the break.
FORM:
HUNGERFORD TOWN
Form: LWLDD
It's been a difficult season for Danny Robinson's Hungerford side and the Crusaders have struggled to fill the hole that leading goalscorer Ryan Seager left when he departed for Dorking Wanderers in the summer.
Hungerford currently sit bottom of the table, with the joint-most defeats in the division (tied with Weymouth). The Crusaders have had a good run in the FA Trophy though, and after a recent win over Tamworth, they're still in with a shout of making it to the final.
However, their league form will have to follow suit very quickly if they are to avoid the drop.
OXFORD CITY
Form: DWDWW
After the turn of the year, City have been one of the form teams in VNLS and will be looking to continue their unbeaten start to the year.
Back to back wins over Concord & Weymouth have been a welcome boost to their play-off bid as the teams around the top seven all dropped points recently. A third win in a row against Hungerford will be a big ask, but if City can come out on top they could rise as high as fourth in the table.
ONE TO WATCH: Matt Berry-Hargreaves
Berry-Hargreaves was a fundemental part of the Hungerford team that missed out on the play-offs last season and will prove to be key if the Crusaders are to survive this season.
The versatile defender came through Hungerford's academy before transferring to Oxford United. Since returning to Bulpit Lane he has asserted himself as a fans' favourite and a solid player in the division.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE GAME:
Twitter: @OxCityFC
Facebook: Oxford City FC
Instagram: @oxcityfc
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