Match Preview | Scunthorpe United v Oxford City
City bid to iron out the competition as Hoops travel to Scunthorpe United.
The Hoops turn their attention back to the Vanarama National League North as they venture away for a tough encounter with high-flying Scunthorpe United on Saturday.
City went out of the Emirates FA Cup last weekend with a 3-2 defeat to Gosport Borough at Court Place Farm, but they look to get back to winning ways in the league having got their first win on the board against Needham Market two weeks ago.
With returning manager Ross Jenkins also looking for his first win during his new spell at the club, there’s no better way to leave your mark than an away win against top of the league.
The Iron went unbeaten through the first 10 games of the season (in all competitions), but have suffered back-to-back defeats, including to 10-man Guiseley in the FA Cup third round qualifying.
This is the first meeting between the two sides, but the Iron are yet to lose at home and Oxford City are still searching for that elusive first away win.
FIXTURE DETAILS
Scunthorpe United v Oxford City
Attis Arena - Saturday 5th October - 15:00
Vanarama National League North
Referee: Joe Moss Assistants: Michael Johnson & Wayne Cooper | Fourth Official: Matthew Wright
Form
OXFORD CITY - L D L W L
Coming off the back off a disappointing loss away to Leamington, Oxford City are hoping to claw themselves out of the relegation zone.
City haven’t won since their victory against Needham Market but, under the management of Ross Jenkins, are looking to string a series of results together.
Despite the loss on the weekend, carrying the positives from the first half and with Jenkins having a full week with squad, City will look to bring three points back home.
SCUNTHORPE UNITED - W W W D L
With one loss in the first nine games this season, the Iron are one of the favourites for promotion into the Vanarama National League North.
Scunthorpe host the Hoops having lost away at Scarborough two weeks ago but six wins from the first seven games and only dropping two points during that run prove that the home side will be a testing outfit.
Oxford will need to work hard to break down the robust Scunthorpe defence who have only conceded three goals in the league this season.
THE GAFFER'S THOUGHTS
New Manager Ross Jenkins previews Saturday's clash.
ONE TO WATCH - Ross Fitzsimmons
Beating Fitzsimmons in the Scunthorpe net has proven a difficult task for every side this season. He has only conceded three times this season and City will need to be clinical to put one past him.
The 30-year-old shot-stopper signed from National League side Chesterfield after missing out on promotion to League Two through a play-off loss to Notts County on penalties.
He began his career at Crystal Palace before a move to Bolton Wanderers. He then became a journeyman with moves to multiple clubs, including Chelmsford City, Notts County and Stockport County.
The Iron’s number one has let in the fewest goals in the league and will look to keep that record intact against the Hoops on the weekend.
THE MANAGER - Andy Butler
Butler is enjoying his first season in charge of Scunthorpe, having been promoted from first team head coach to first team manager this summer after the departure of Jimmy Dean.
He began his playing career at Scunthorpe back in 2002, spending six years at the club before a transfer to Huddersfield. He returned for a season in 2019 toward the end of his career. He played a total of 174 games for the Iron.
The 40-year-old has got Scunthorpe playing good football, only two sides have scored more goals and no side in the league has conceded less.
