Match Preview | Oxford City v Radcliffe
The lowdown on the clash with Radcliffe.
Oxford City host Radcliffe, who sit one place above the Hoops in the Vanarama National League North on Saturday (3pm Kick Off).
The Hoops are looking to distance themselves from the drop zone and with Radcliffe a solitary position above them, it's a great opportunity to push themselves up the league table.
City come into the game having travelled to Scarborough in midweek and ground out a well-earned 0-0 draw, while Radcliffe come into the game on the back of an away 3-2 loss to Spennymoor Town on Tuesday night.
City will look to keep their clean sheet streak going as Laurie Walker is looking for this third consecutive game without conceding.
The last time the sides faced it was Radcliffe who took the lead early on but a Corie Andrews goal right on the stroke of halftime turn the fortunes for the Hoops as they went on to win 3-1.
FIXTURE DETAILS
Oxford City v Radcliffe
The MGroup Stadium – Saturday 29th March – 3:00pm
Vanarama National League North
Referee: Thomas Wilson Assistant Referees: Benjamin Williamson & Scott Hamilton Fourth Official: Jake Woolley
Form (League Only)
OXFORD CITY - L D W W D
City are unbeaten in the last four games and have only conceded two goals in those four games and a win against Radcliffe will promote the Hoops up the table.
On home form alone, City remain in 20th position but have lost twice in their previous five games at The MGroup Stadium.
Over the last eight games City have managed to pick up 1.25 points per game which is well above the season average of 1.1. City also seem to have fixed their problem defensively as they have only conceded 1.38 goals per game (which does include a day to forget against Buxton) which is below the season average for the Hoops.
RADCLIFFE - L W D L L
Radcliffe's only win over the last five league fixtures was a 1-0 win over Warrington which came thanks to a Danny Greenfield second half goal.
Statistically, Radcliffe are a much better side at home. Away from their own ground, they have only managed to pick up 1.05 points per game and have won just four games on the road this season.
Scoring goals has not been an issue for Radcliffe as they've netted an average of 1.50 goals per game over the last eight games but have also conceded the exact same amount during that period.
THE MANAGER - ANTHONY JOHNSON & BERNARD MORLEY
At the end of last season, Radcliffe appointed both Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley to replace Bobby Grant.
The pair have enjoyed success across a variety of clubs. They began their managerial careers at Ramsbottom United in 2009 achieving back-to-back promotions taking them into the Northern Premier League.
From there they moved to Salford City, where they made their name featuring on the Class of ’92 documentary. They were at Salford for three and a half years when they moved to Spennymoor Town.
Johnson appeared on screens once again after going viral for drinking a pint of Madri during a post-game interview for Radcliffe earlier in the year.
ONE TO WATCH - JORDAN HULME
Teaming up with the managers that gave him his first chance in non-league, the 32-year-old goal scorer led the line for Altrincham in 2022/23 before his transfer to Radcliffe. Over his past 38 appearances for Radcliffe, Hulme has scored 11 goals, 10 of which have come this campaign.
Hulme hasn't scored he bagged a brace as Radcliffe hosted South Shields and won 4-1.
The striker began his career at Ramsbottom United before moving to Salford. He played 47 times for Salford but only managed nine goals. He found his feet once he moved to Altrincham. During his first stint (three years) he bagged 36 goals and is currently on his most successful campaign since his time there.
