Match Preview | Oxford City v Marine
The lowdown ahead of Marine clash.
Oxford City hoping to get back to winning ways in the Vanarama National League North as they host Marine in midweek. (19:45 KO)
Coming off the back of an outstanding win against Forest Green in the FA Trophy on the weekend, City will be full of confidence coming up against the side they drew with on the first day of the season.
A Bradley Stretton last minute equaliser was enough to secure a point for the Hoops at their place, but they will be hoping for a much better result this time out.
It’s a good opportunity for the side to back up the performance from Forest Green and correct the performance from Curzon Ashton.
FIXTURE DETAILS
Oxford City v Marine
The MGroup Stadium – Tuesday 4th February – 7:45pm
Vanarama National League North
Referee: Neil Pratt Assitant Referees: Richard Fullbacks & Mitchell Cartwright Fourth Official: Samuel Lee
Form (League Only)
OXFORD CITY
Last week was one of mixed emotions. The despair of the 5-0 defeat to Curzon Ashton followed by the elation of the 1-0 win over Forest Green to put the Hoops 2 wins from Wembley.
In the league, City are yet to get a win in 2025 but have played four of the sides populating the top eight and feel unlucky not come away with a win or two.
City will take the huge confidence boost that the win over Forest Green gave them as they prepare for an important stretch in the season with the next few games against sides who are in their vicinity.
MARINE
With a 0-2 win away against Leamington on the weekend, Marine ended a 3-game winless run against Farsley, Buxton and King’s Lynn.
Over the last eight league games, they have averaged 0.88 points per game, only slightly worse than the season average of 0.89 and their away form makes for worse reading. They have averaged just 0.86 points per game away from home with just 3 wins and 3 draws from the 14 games on the road.
In recent weeks, their form has improved. In their last four away games they have conceded four times and come away with 2 wins and a draw and the Mariners now sit just one point from safety.
THE MANAGER - Neil Young
Young joined Marine in 2018 and led the club to the famous 3rd round FA Cup tie against Tottenham when the likes of Gareth Bale graced the Rossett Park surface.
During his time at the club, he has also taken them back into the Northern Premier League, won and retained the Liverpool Senior Cup and guided the side back to the National League North, and masterminded another FA Cup 1st Round appearance.
Prior to his time at Marine, he won three consecutive league titles with Chester and was awarded the Conference North Manager of the Year award in 2013. The University of Chester presented him with an honorary degree.
ONE TO WATCH - Enock Lusiama
Lusiama moved to England in 2019 and played in the non-league pyramid before signing his first professional deal with Accrington Stanley in 2022.
The 25-year-old scored 14 league goals in 26 appearances before his move to Marine and in his first season with the Mariners, has bagged six league goals, making him their top scorer.
Lusiama is a tall, strong striker who will look to compete for the long balls and give the City centre backs a fight for the ball.
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