Match Preview | Oxford City v Chorley
City next host Chorley in OX3.
City aim to turn around fortunes when Chorley visit Court Place Farm.
Could this be the day for City? The Hoops are looking for that first victory of the season that has alluded them all season and Manager Sam Cox has said that he wants to see a reaction from his side on Saturday.
The team will be looking to put the disappointment of the Bank Holiday weekend behind them after defeats to South Shields & Kidderminster Harriers.
Chorley on the other hand have had a solid start to their opening fixtures, and come into this match on the back of a very impressive Bank Holiday weekend.
The Magpies are a side who have been involved in the play-offs three times out of the last four seasons, they'll be hoping that they can continue that form this season.
Saturday's game will be one of the tougher tests City face this season. However, Sam Cox's side will be looking to find that first victory of the season on home soil (well... plastic).
FIXTURE DETAILS
Oxford City v Chorley
Court Place Farm - Saturday 31st August - 15:00
Vanarama National League North
Referee: Harry Warner | Assistants: Simon Kavanagh & Thomas Kelly | Fourth Officials: Gupta Minesh
FORM
OXFORD CITY - D D L L L
Sam Cox has said that City need to head into the international break on a positive note after a disappointing start to the season.
The Hoops' will be wanting to forget their Bank Holiday weekend with a positive result against Chorley after defeats to South Shields and Kidderminster Harriers.
“Stick together” has been the motto so far from Cox. However, there are signs that new members of the team are starting to settle into the squad.
However, City know more than most that they need to get their first win on the board, but that won't be easy against an impressive Chorley side.
CHORLEY - W D L D W
It's been a solid start to the season for the Magpies, who once again will be looking to finish in the top seven.
An opening day win away at Peterborough Sports got the season off to a positive start.
A late equaliser from Hereford denied them a chance to extend their perfect start before Scarborough subjected Andy Preece's side to their first (and only) defeat of the season.
However, since then, Chorley have dusted themselves off and secured four impressive points over the Bank Holiday.
A draw away at title favourites Scunthorpe United was followed by a 4-1 thrashing over Southport on Monday.
TEAM NEWS
Kai McKenzie-Lyle is a doubt Saturday's clash after picking up a knee injury in training.
Chi Ezennolim continues his rehab but will remain out for Saturday's match.
Despite his red card on Monday, Cole Kpekawa is available for selection, as FA rules mean his one-match ban will come into play for our FA Cup Second Qualifying Round on Saturday 14th September.
Louis Walsh has had a full week of training and is available for selection.
THE GAFFER'S THOUGHTS
We spoke to Manager Sam Cox ahead of Saturday's match. Read what he said by clicking HERE.
ONE TO WATCH - Kole Hall
After featuring over 40 times for fellow NLN club Chester, forward Kole Hall signed a deal in the summer for the Magpies and has made a positive impact since, making him our 'One To Watch'.
The Bermuda international signed with Radcliffe FC after coming through the academy ranks at Tranmere Rovers in the 2019/20 season.
Hall featured in 35 games, scoring 5 times for Radcliffe. Following a strong start to the season after, he was loaned to AFC Telford but made only two appearances.
Hall then moved to Altrincham signing a dual registration deal between 'Alty' and Nantwich Town.
The then 24-year-old's next successful stint at a club was at Chester FC where he went onto make over 40 appearances in the two seasons he was at the club.
He was sent out on loan to Scarborough Athletic for the remainder of the 2023/24 season where he made 9 appearances, scoring twice.
Hall has plenty of experience in the NLN and over the Bank Holiday weekend he scored his first goal of the season away at Scunthorpe United.
THE MANAGER - Andy Preece
After taking charge of over 800 games during nearly 25 years as a manager, Preece has spent the last four years at Chorley. Firstly as assistant manager and Director of Football before taking on the Manager’s role in May 2022.
Preece featured in the Premier League for Crystal Palace, and in the Football League for Northampton Town, Wrexham, Stockport County, Blackpool and Bury, collecting over 450 appearances in that time. From 1999 onwards, Preece combined his playing duties with various coaching and management positions.
His most memorable stint as a player was at Stockport where he scored 42 goals in 97 league games, his most prolific period as a goal scorer.
Preece's managerial career started before his playing ended, where he was appointed player-manager at Bury FC in 1999.
A solid time at the club saw his side confirm their status in League One twice, and making the play-offs in League Two once.
Preece then spent time at Worcester City in 2005 where he would lead the club to three consecutive top ten finishes, and a run into the second round of the FA Cup.
He was appointed as Manager of then-Conference North side Northwich Victoria and he led the side to a memorable FA Cup giant-killing as they defeated then-Premier League Charlton Athletic.
He had stints at Airbus UK (Wales) and Southport between 2012-2018, before agreeing a deal at Chorley as Manager in 2022.
