Match Preview: Oxford City vs Chippenham Town
Oxford City will be looking to cement their play-off credentials with a win over Vanarama National League South strugglers Chippenham Town.
COUNTDOWN TO KICK-OFF
City extended their unbeaten run to seven games with a solid point on the road to Eastbourne Borough. However, Ross Jenkins' side will be looking to turn their draws into wins with five of those seven matches ending level.
Chippenham on the other hand will be looking for a league double over City and secure an important three points to take them within a point of Slough Town outside the relegation zone.
LAST TIME OUT:
After a tight game between the two sides, the game was marred by controversy when referee Dale Wooton gave the hosts a last minute penalty after Lewis Miccio's perfectly timed challenge.
FORM:
OXFORD CITY
Form: DWDDD
City find themselves on a strong run of seven games without defeat, but turning one point into three is clearly the aim for Ross Jenkins' side.
The Hoops have worked themselves into the play-offs in recent weeks but whilst other games in the league fall foul to the weather, there's a chance for City to cement their play-off credentials by getting points on the board.
However, the previous two draws on the road to fellow play-off contenders Braintree & Eastbourne have been impressive, showing the league that City have the ability to grind out impressive results.
CHIPPENHAM TOWN
Form: LDLLL
Last season Chippenham were the surprise package in VNLS, making it to the Play-Off Semi-Final (alongside City). However, this season hasn't gone to plan.
Despite edging past City at Hardenhuish Park back in early September, Chippenham have only won one game in the league. A strong FA Cup run helped distract fans from their league form, but after a 6-1 defeat to League One side Burton Albion, focus has switched back to a relegation battle.
Their away form is also an area for concern. Gary Horgan's side have only taken three points on the road this season (three draws), a record that needs to improve if they are to beat the drop.
ONE TO WATCH: Alefe Santos
In Santos, Chippenham have a player who can create something out of nothing! The Brazilian has played a key part in Town's side since joining from Weymouth in 2021. Last season, Santos showed his class when he scored a screamer at Marsh Lane, helping Chippenham to a point out of nothing with a thunderbolt of a goal.
The Gaffer's thoughts:
"If you look at the league table it looks like they've not been performing but it's the complete opposite. They've been playing well but they've been very unlucky in some games so we can't take them lightly and we need to prepare properly.
"They have danger and threat in their team so it's important we get off to a strong start. It's going to be a tough one."
HOW TO FOLLOW THE GAME:
Twitter: @OxCityFC
Facebook: Oxford City FC
Instagram: @oxcityfc
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