Match Preview | Oxford City FC v Darlington FC
City welcome The Quakers to Court Place Farm
The Hoops open their home account in the National League North when they host Durham side Darlington at Court Place Farm.
City began life in Vanarama National League North in Merseyside where Bradley Stretton’s last gasp poke home saved the Hoops from defeat, earning them a solid draw at the Marine Travel Arena.
Darlington on the other hand, fell to defeat at the hands of hotly-tipped Kidderminster Harriers. A late consolation goal wasn’t enough for the Quakers as strikes in both halves consigned them to defeat.
This is the first home match of the Sam Cox era, and the atmosphere will be a special one both on and off the pitch.
Can either of these side's pick up their first three points of the season?
FIXTURE DETAILS
Oxford City FC v Darlington
National League North
Court Place Farm - Saturday 17th August - 15:00
Referee: Ashley Clarke Assistants: Brandon Scaife & Michael Pattison | Fourth Official: Craig Thompson
FORM
OXFORD CITY - D
City started life back in National League North with a hard fought draw away at Marine. Brad Stretton's 90+3rd minute equaliser salvaged a point for the Hoops in a game where Sam Cox's side dominated possession.
DARLINGTON - L
Darlington had one of the trickier starts to the season as they hosted hotly-tipped Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday.
Will Hatfield's 89th minute strike wasn't enough to spark a comeback, but on the whole it was a promising performance from the Quakers.
TEAM NEWS
New signings Aidan Elliott-Wheeler and Louis Walsh are in contention to make the City squad.
Chi Ezennolim is a doubt, whilst Reece Fleet continues to return to full fitness after a full week of training.
ONE TO WATCH - Tom Platt
Following his first season at The Quakers, Captain Tom Platt won THREE end of season awards, leaving us no option but to give our 'One To Watch' this week to the 30-year-old midfielder.
Platt started his career with York City, progressing through the club's youth system before signing a professional contract in June 2012. He had loan spells with Hucknall Town, Harrogate Town and FC Halifax Town before making his first-team debut with York in March 2013.
Tom then rejoined Harrogate on loan in August 2015 and signed for the club permanently in March 2016. Platt was released by Harrogate after the 2016–17 season, then spent two campaigns with Alfreton Town and four with Boston United before joining Darlington in 2023.
He signed a one-year deal with the option for a further year, and was appointed captain at arrival. Platt was one of a group of three senior players tasked with covering managerial duties until an appointment was made following the exit from their manager at that time.
Tom played a crucial part in Darlington's request for survival at Step 2, featuring in almost every game.
Since deciding to join The Quakers, Tom hasn't looked back. After making 44 appearances in the 23/24 season, Platt has become a fan favourite at the club winning the Manager's Player, Players' Player and Away Fans' Player of the season last year.
THE GAFFER'S THOUGHTS
Read the thoughts of Sam Cox ahead of our first home game of the season HERE.
THE MANAGER - Steve Watson
After enjoying 19 years of playing, former professional footballer Steve Watson is now manager at Darlington, and has been since December 2023.
As a player, he played in the Premier League and Football League for Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Everton, West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield Wednesday.
Steve was then capped once by the England National B team, having previously played twelve times and scored once for the under-21s.
Watson moved into coaching after retiring from playing and was appointed as an academy coach at Huddersfield Town under former teammate Lee Clark in 2010.
He then followed Clark to Birmingham City before a spell as assistant manager of Macclesfield Town. He was given his first managerial role in 2017 when he joined Gateshead, before becoming York City manager in 2019.
He left the club in 2021 and spent four months as manager of Chester before joining Darlington in December 2023.
Steve's initial spell at Darlington was a successful one, joining for the second half of the season with the aim of keeping Darlington clear of relegation.
He steered them clear of the danger zone leaving him with a two-year contract for him and his assistant to sign. After an impressive end to the season, Walton was named National League North Manager of the Month for April 2024.
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