Oxford City Manager Ross Jenkins is excited ahead of the Hoops’ first home match in the Vanarama National League.

Despite a defeat on the opening day away at Aldershot, the squad remain positive. Furthermore, a match-up against the recently relegated Dale in front of a raucous RAW Charging Stadium is bound to be an occasion to savour.

Speaking to www.oxfordcityfc.com during the week, Jenkins said:

“We’re still full of confidence, as it (Saturday’s game against Aldershot) was our first game at the level. We now know where we need to be.

“We saw some very promising things against Aldershot, but we need to do better in regards to cutting out individual errors.

“We’ve got some big games coming up with Rochdale and Chesterfield visiting us and we’re really looking forward to and both at home which is a big bonus for us.

“We worked so hard last season, everyone associated with the football club, to get here.

“It’s now about our attitude on Saturday. This is a different type of challenge, in terms of the character of our players, as we’re used to winning, dominating possession and feeling good.

“How do we respond from losing to pick ourselves up to go and play Rochdale?”

Last season, City’s campaign ended in fairy-tale fashion after promotion via the play-offs, however, Rochdale’s season ended in heartbreak.

Relegation from League Two ended a 102-year stay in the EFL, but after Manager Jim McNulty took the reigns towards the end of last season, Rochdale experienced an up-turn in form.

Now, the Dale are looking for an immediate return to the EFL, and Jenkins is fully aware of both club’s challenges this season in unchartered territory.

“Rochdale is a big club with history. They’ve got some good players and experienced players but it’ll be a different experience for them coming to our patch.

“They won’t have played on many 3G pitches before, so it’s a different challenge for both clubs.

“They’re playing on an unfamiliar surface and we’re playing a team that’s never played outside of the football league.

“I’m really excited for the game, it’s going to be interesting.

“We have a new pitch now, so the ball should move nicely for both teams, so we should have a good game on our hands for the neutral and for both sets of supporters.

“We want to get back to where we were last season with good performances at home and show that we’ve got what it takes to compete at this level.”

Join us on Saturday as Oxford City take on Rochdale at the RAW Charging Stadium, tickets are available by clicking HERE.