Match Report: Oxford City 1-1 Brackley Town

Tom Mallams • July 23, 2022

Oxford City continued their impressive pre-season campaign with a 1-1 draw with National League North promotion hopefuls Brackley Town.

Ross Jenkins named a strong starting XI and gave new signings Klaidi Lolos and Aaron Williams Bushell the chance to officially showcase their talents in blue and white. Other new signings Jean-Baptiste Fishcer, Tom Harrison and Lewis Miccio were named on the bench.

 

An action-packed first half began and on the ten-minute mark the deadlock was broken. Lewis Coyle unleashed a long-range rocket to give the Hoops the lead. Zac McEachran teed off Coyle to cut inside and rifle an effort into the top far corner however, credit must be given to Lolos’ tricky feet who began the move with some clever dribbling to play in McEachran.


The friendly turned into an end-to-end battle with both sets of strikers almost putting their names on the scoresheet. Fabio Lopes nearly equalised as his volley whistled past the near post, City responded soon after through a close-ranged effort from Lolos, but he couldn't direct on target.


Brackley’s golden chance to level came from a counter attack as Silva played a trialist through on goal, only to be denied by a last ditch tackle from Charlie Rowan on the six-yard box.


On the half hour mark, Danny Lewis was forced into action to make two diving saves in as many minutes. Williams-Bushell capitalised on a high press from City and found himself able to fire at goal, making Lewis dive low to his left. McEachran’s goal bound effort followed and an out-stretched hand by the 'keeper but it was enough to palm the strike away at his near post.


Despite being on the back foot, The Saints grabbed an equaliser on the stroke of halftime. Lopes produced a superb looping cross into the path of strike partner Wes York who guided the ball into the bottom corner with a powerful header.


Half-time: Oxford City 1 – 1 Brackley Town


The second forty-five was a cagey affair but didn't come without its chances. The impressive Williams-Bushell almost found the net after dribbling right along the goalmouth, finding space, and firing at goal. However, a block directed the shot away from danger.


In prime pre-season fashion, Brackley made seven changes shortly after the re-start. On the other hand, Jenkins spread out four substitutions across the second forty-five, of which saw Harrison, Miccio, Gerald Muchechtere and Latrell Humphrey-Ewers given a chance to stretch their legs.


The final chance of the game fell to a Brackley trialist as a quick 1-2 on the right allowed the striker space to place an effort on target which trickled past the post.


A strong run out for the boys in blue and white as they shared the honour coming towards the end of their pre-season campaign. City focus on hosting Gloucester City in their final pre-season fixture ahead of another battle in the National League South.


Full-time: Oxford City 1 – 1 Brackley Town


Starting XI: Dudzinski, Williams-Bushell, Burley (Harrison 63’), Carroll, Rowan, Coyle (Miccio 63’), Ashby, Fleet ©, McEachran, Iaciofano (Humphrey-Ewers 90’), Lolos (Muchechtere 79’)


Unused Subs: Grantham, Potter, Fischer

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