Match Preview: Oxford City vs Braintree Town
Oxford City face off against Braintree Town on Saturday with both sides in search of vital points at either end of the Vanarama National League South.
City in search of securing playoffs
After a successful season, the Hoops only need a single point from their remaining four games to secure a play-off position in Vanarama National League South.
After the Hoops fell to a 1-0 defeat to the hands of Chippenham Town at Hardenhuish Park, City will be looking to secure their play-off spot on Saturday.
The Hoops currently sit 5th in VNLS and four points behind 4th placed Dartford. A victory against Braintree Town on Saturday can put the pressure back onto City's rivals as the Hoops breathe down the necks of Dartford and Ebbsfleet.
Should City rise up the table, the Velocity Stadium could host their first round of the playoffs, giving the boys in the blue and white the home advantage.
Braintree Town fighting for survival
The Irons travel to the Velocity Stadium on the back of three defeats from their previous three fixtures. Their most recent coming from a 0-1 defeat to Concord Rangers at the Cressing Road Stadium on Good Friday.
A poor run of form for the Town has been compounded by failing to score in their previous four VNLS clashes , with their last goal scored coming in a 2-1 defeat at home to top of the table Maidstone United.
Like City, a single point would be enough to see Braintree mathematically safe.
Last time out: The points were shared the last time the sides faced off in a 1-1 draw on the opening day of this season.
Alfie Payne opened the scoring shortly after halftime with a volley inside City’s 18-yard box however, just after the hour mark, the home side were reduced to 10-men as Femi Akinwade received his second yellow after a tussle with Charlie Rowan.
City left it late to reply as Dan Matsuzaka rescued a point. He was left free in the box to nod home shortly before the final whistle to rescue a point.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE PARTNERS
OUR PARTNERS
