MATCH PREVIEW | MAIDENHEAD UNITED VS OXFORD CITY
Oxford City kick-off Bank Holiday weekend with trip to Maidenhead.
The Hoops are finally off the mark in the Vanarama National League after a 1-1 draw against FC Halifax Town last Saturday, but now Ross Jenkins' side will look to follow that up with another result away at Maidenhead United.
The Magpies have started the season well and find themselves in a play-off place going into the Bank Holiday, not many people would have predicted that coming into the campaign. Under the stewardship of West Ham legend Alan Devonshire, United have held their own in the fifth tier and after surviving the drop last year, they'll look to continue to prove the critics wrong by surviving again.
FIXTURE DETAILS
Maidenhead United vs Oxford City
Vanarama National League
York Road Stadium, Maidenhead
Saturday 26th August, 15:00
Referee: Kirsty Dowle Assistants: Martyn Mitchell & Benjamin Williamson Fourth Official: Mitchell Cartwright
OVERVIEW
This match may have been earmarked by many as a relegation six-pointer, but with Maidenhead's impressive start perhaps not...
The Magpies come into the Bank Holiday weekend inside the play-offs and a win on Saturday could catapult Alan Devonshire's side to as high as top spot (although, this is highly-dependant on all six teams above them losing in gameweek five).
Maidenhead have lost just once so far. A 3-1 defeat away at recently-relegated Hartlepool United the only negative so far.
On the other hand, Oxford City's standing perhaps doesn't reflect the full story from the outside looking in. Bar the opening day 5-2 defeat at Aldershot, the Hoops can feel slightly aggrieved to have just the solitary point on the board.
Coming into the season, Manager Ross Jenkins had said that it would take around 5-6 games for the Hoops to find their feet in the division. So, perhaps after the Bank Holiday weekend, Jenkins will have a much better idea of where his squad stand.
Saturday's point away at FC Halifax could well have turned into all three. Could Saturday be the day where the Hoops pick up their first ever win in the fifth tier?
PRE-MATCH THOUGHTS
Manager Ross Jenkins spoke to the media this week to preview of our trip to the Berkshire.
“They’re a team that know the league inside out and a manager that knows the league inside out, with very experienced boys on the pitch.
“They’ve got energy, experience, height, pace and a threat.
“We’ve got to keep making sure we look after our performance. We know our levels and what we’ve been working on in training."
TEAM NEWS
Managers in the Vanarama National League(s) will be faced with selection headaches on Saturday.
The Bank Holiday weekend is something that makes non-league great for supporters. However, the new rule changes regarding added time will see non-league sides likely face two 100+ minute matches in the space of three days.
This brings with it new selection headaches, and perhaps both managers will be tempted to rotate their squads ahead of the tight turnaround.
Ross Jenkins made one change at the weekend with Nya Kirby replacing Latrell Humphrey-Ewers, but aside from Zac McEachran who continues to recover from illness, the City boss has a fully-fit squad to choose from.
Pierre Fonkeu grabbed his first goal for the Hoops on Saturday and will be hoping to retain his starting spot.
On the other hand, Maidenhad have added to their ranks ahead of the fixture. Right-winger David Omilabu signed on the dotted line this week, becoming the ninth new addition for United in the process. The ex-Crystal Palace winger will be available to make his debut on Saturday.
Elsewhere, former Hoop Zico Asare will be hoping to earn a place in the starting XI, after a red-card against Dorking meant he missed the defeat against Hartlepool and was left on the bench for the win over Dagenham.
Along with City, Kevin Lokko also made the step up to step 1 football after signing from Farnborough. He's played in every game so far for the Magpies, as have Striker Shawn McCoulsky, Midfielder Kane Ferdinand & Goalkeeper Craig Ross who add both talent and experience to the side.
RECENT FORM
Oxford City - L L L D
City are finally off the mark in the National League. However, Ross Jenkins' side will still be feeling like they should have more points on the board for their efforts.
Narrow defeats to recently relegated Rochdale and title-favourites Chesterfield were tough to take, but Saturday's performance has backed-up the argument that the Hoops aren't just here to make up the numbers.
City are still looking for that elusive first victory, though! Could Saturday be the day?
Maidenhead United - D W L W
It's been a fantastic start to the season for the Magpies and seven points out of a possible twelve has catapulted Alan Devonshire's side into seventh spot.
A 2-2 draw with AFC Fylde started the season well and that was followed by their first win of the campaign away at Dorking Wanderers (2-0). Defeat on the road to Hartlepool followed (but that was no disgrace as the Pools look to bounce back to the EFL at the first attempt) but they responded brilliantly to bounce back with a 1-0 victory over Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday.
As previously mentioned, a win could send Maidenhead to the top of the table on Saturday, but nevertheless any points would maintain their early season momentum as they continue to surprise the pundits with their early season form.
ONE TO WATCH - Shawn McCoulsky
McCoulsky has found a place where he can thrive in Maidenhead and the bright striker is already up-and-running for the campaign.
After signing for the club upon his release from Colchester United, the striker has accumulated over fifty appearances already for the Magpies. Once again, the striker will be looking to kick-on at York Road, and his goal away at Dorking Wanderers has the ex-Forest Green Rovers man off the mark already.
He started his career in non-league with Dulwich Hamlet but was quickly scouted by a number of clubs. However, it was Bristol City who won the race for his signature. He never made a first team appearance at Ashton Gate but he did make a notable contributions on loan at a number of clubs (most notably at Newport County, where he scored the winning goal in the FA Cup Third Round against Leeds United).
He eventually moved to Forest Green Rovers, where again he had success, helping the Nailsworth side win promotion to Sky Bet League One, before moving to Colchester and now Maidenhead.
HAVE WE MET BEFORE?
For the first time this season, City are meeting a side that they have played regularly over the years, with 80 matches between the two.
This included two seasons in the National League South between 2015 to 2017, but have since met in the FA Trophy back in 2018/19.
The tie went to a second game… but it wasn’t a replay as the initial tie was abandoned on 75 minutes with City leading their National League opponents 1-0 through a Kabby Tshimanga goal.
The match was played again at York Road, and this time was completed, with the Hoops progressing after extra-time. A former Hoop in Nana Owusu gave Maidenhead the lead through a free-kick before Kabby Tshimanga levelled from the spot after Craig Fasanmade was felled in the box.
Maidenhead had a chance of their own to take the lead from the spot moments later, only for Craig King to pull off a great save.
The tie was won in extra-time as Kabby Tshimanga was in the right place to tap home after a shot was pushed onto the post in the 99th minute.
PLAYED FOR BOTH
Unsurprisingly given the close proximity of the two clubs, there is a large number of players who have turned out for both clubs.
There’s one apiece in the current squads that have played for both. Andre Burley spent time at Maidenhead during the 2021-22 season on loan from Wycombe Wanderers, making 4 appearances before moving on to Hungerford Town.
At Maidenhead is Zico Asare, who City fans will remember fondly from 2021/22 in defence, as he missed just one game through illness throughout the whole season, otherwise an ever present in the right side of defence.
Elsewhere, and Sam Nombe played for both clubs on loan from MK Dons in 2018 and 2019, while perhaps unsurprisingly for his career, so did Jefferson Louis.
Others include Jamie Brooks, Craig Faulconbridge, Michael Pook, Ashan Holgate.
HOW TO FOLLOW
FOLLOW THE ACTION:
Stay tuned to our official Twitter page 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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