FIXTURE DETAILS

Solihull Moors vs Oxford City

Vanarama National League

The ARMCO Arena, Solihull

Saturday 2nd September, 15:00

Referee: David Richardson   Assistants: Daniel Smith & William Cavanagh  Fourth Official: Anthony Tankard

OVERVIEW

PRE-MATCH THOUGHTS

Defender Canice Carroll spoke to the www.oxfordcityfc.co.uk this week to preview of our trip to the midlands.

“‘We know we can make a statement in this league and people should respect us. Teams now know we can definitely give them a run for their money. We’ve shown what we’re capable of and now its just about building on that.

‘The win (against Boreham Wood) has done the boys a world of good. I think our performances since the opening day have been really good. I think we probably could have picked up a couple more points than what we have, but it was always going to take us a few games to get used to the league."

TEAM NEWS

Zac McEachran produced an instant impact after coming on as a substitute against Boreham Wood, scoring City’s fourth goal within seconds of coming on, after returning from illness.

Therefore, Ross Jenkins has a fully fit squad to choose from going into the game.

The midfielder therefore could be in line for his first start at this level, however Ross Jenkins will no doubt be tempted to stick with the same eleven that started the game on Monday, due to the quality of the performance.

New signing Olly Sanderson, scored on his full debut and will be hoping to retain his place the starting line up once more for the Hoops.

As mentioned before, Solihull’s work in the transfer market has been eye-catching, with a host of experienced names along with loans for younger players joining the club. Monday’s starting XI featured seven of the new signings, and judging by early results, the business seems to be shrewd.

There are two ever-presents for the home side so far this season, defender James Clarke and loanee goalkeeper Tommy Simkin. The latter, an 18-year-old goalkeeper who joined from Stoke in July, has impressed in his short time at the club so far. Elsewhere

RECENT FORM

Oxford City - L L D D W

The Hoops’ season has really kickstarted in the last couple of weeks after a tough opening three games. They were unlucky not to take points from Chesterfield, who scored late to win 2-1 at the RAW Charging Stadium.

But since then they have gone unbeaten, producing resolute defensive performances to pick up away points at Maidenhead and Halifax, before the confidence boosting victory over Boreham Wood on Monday. Can they go one further and topple the current league leaders?

Solihull Moors - W W W D W

Solihull’s start to the season has surprised many. The Midlands side finished 15th last season, but a change of manager and some new personnel in the door have seen a complete turnaround, and Moors head into this game unbeaten in the first six.

They have picked up maximum points away from home, beating Ebbsfleet, Oldham, and last week’s opponents Boreham Wood, while also collecting 5 points at home.



A victory this weekend would guarantee the Moors head into the next fixture at the top, however Barnet, Chesterfield and Hartlepool will all be looking to capitalise and claim top spot, should City take points from this game.

ONE TO WATCH - Jamey Osborne

Moors’ captain, Jamey Osborne has began the season in fantastic form, and was voted Player of the Match in their previous match against Oldham.

An experienced midfielder with an eye for goal, Osborne joined the club on a permanent deal from Grimsby in 2017. He has gone on to play over 150 games for the club, and was made captain at the start of this season.

Born in Solihull, Osborne spent six seasons at Hednesford Town at the start of his career, before moving to Redditch United. He spent one season there before a move to Solihull.

However, just one season later, he made a switch to Grimsby in League Two. After 19 league appearances in 2016-17, Osborne returned to the Moors on loan for the 2017-18, and made his second spell permanent at the end of that campaign.

HAVE WE MET BEFORE?

The most recent meeting between the sides was in 2019, in the First Round of the FA Cup. Solihull produced a comfortable 5-1 victory, racing into a 4-0 lead by half-time. Furthermore, Moors almost reached the third round after racing into a 3-0 lead in the next round against Rotherham, before a remarkable turnaround from the Championship side.

The clubs also spent three seasons in the National League North together from 2012-13 until 2014-15. Over this period, City claimed two victories, with one draw and three wins for Moors. The last league match between the two ended with a Hoops victory.

A 3-2 win away at Damson Park came curtsey of an Adi Yussuf brace and a Alejandro Adrian goal. Funnily enough, City's current longest-serving player Reece Fleet was on the scoresheet for Moors, scoring a late consolation for the hosts after Omar Bogle's goal.

PLAYED FOR BOTH

City captain Reece Fleet is one of a handful of names to feature for both sides. The 31-year-old made over 100 appearances for Moors before joining Oxford City in 2015.

Another standout name who lives fondly in the memories of both sets of supporters is Adi Yussuf. The Leicester YA graduate joined the Hoops from Lincoln in 2014 and enjoyed a prolific season, netting 27 times in 39 outings. He then left for Mansfield, before moving around a number of Football League Clubs, before returning to the Conference with Solihull Moors in 2018.



He went on to score 19 times for the Moors, and was also called up to the Tanzania national team, where he has made four appearances to date. Yussuf is now playing his football at Brackley Town.

HOW TO FOLLOW

FOLLOW THE ACTION:

Stay tuned to our official Twitter page for all the build-up, regular updates and post-match action.

AUDIO/RADIO COMMENTARY:

Can't make it to the match? BBC Radio Oxford will be providing full commentary of our opening match online!

Click HERE to head to the BBC's non-league commentary page where you'll be able to tune in at around 14:50.

INTERNATIONAL STREAMING:

The National League are delighted to announce a range of National League TV Match Passes available for the 2023/24 season.

When signing up to NLTV remember to select Oxford City as your chosen team!

To find out more about an international streaming pass click HERE

For details on how to sign up and register and purchase a pass click HERE