Preview - Oxford City (A) – Saturday 4th January
Wealdstone play their second game of 2020 as the National League South campaign continues with a trip down the A40 to in-form Oxford City.
THE DETAILS
Oxford City vs Wealdstone
National League South
Marsh Lane, OX3 0NQ
Saturday 4th January, 3pm kick-off
Tickets are available via Oxford City’s ticketing service HERE – we recommend buying tickets using the Hoops’ service as admission is cheaper online than at the turnstiles.
THE CONTEXT
Wealdstone extended their lead at the top of the National League South to seven points after the New Year’s Day victory against Slough Town. Oxford City done the double over local rivals Hungerford Town over the Christmas period and have rose to 12th in the division while only losing two league games since October.
TEAM NEWS
No new injury problems have arisen since the Stones’ first victory of 2020. Midfielder Fumnaya Shomotun has been dual registered with BetVictor Southern Premier South side Hayes & Yeading United, while striker Dejon Noel-Williams has joined National League South rivals Billericay Town on a permanent deal.
Luton Town loanee goalkeeper Harry Isted has had his loan deal extended for an extra month and will be available for selection against Oxford City.
FORM GUIDE
Oxford City:
Hungerford Town (A) 1-2 (Ashby, Lofthouse)
Weymouth (A) 2-1 (Fleet)
Hungerford Town (H) 3-2 (McEachran 2, Benyon)
St Albans City (H) 3-3 (Gordon, McEachran, Berkoe)
Maidstone United (H) 1-4 (Lofthouse)
Wealdstone:
Slough Town (H) 2-1 (Efete, Lafayette)
St Albans City (H) 1-0 (Lewis)
Slough Town (A) 2-1 (Efete)
Eastbourne Borough (H) 2-0 (Lewis, Okimo)
Bath City (A) 0-0
WHO TO WATCH FOR
Zac McEachran: Youngster McEachran has been instrumental for the Hoops’ recent positive form scoring goals from midfield. City’s top scorer has scored eight league goals this season as he is given the licence to free-roam in attacking midfield and support the two strikers.
Elliot Benyon: Ex-Stone Benyon joined Oxford earlier this season from Hayes & Yeading and has been in-favour in recent weeks with Managers Andy Ballard and Justin Merritt. Benyon made over 40 appearances for the Stones across two seasons and will be looking to add to his one goal this season.
LAST TIME OUT
Michee Efete’s late winner was enough for the Stones to earn a narrow 1-0 victory at The Vale back in September. Current Stones goalkeeper Isted made a flurry of saves for Oxford City during this fixture to keep the Hoops level for most of the game.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Played – 42
Oxford City – 15
Draw – 11
Stones – 16
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
September 2019: Stones 1-0 Oxford City (Efete)
December 2018: Stones 0-2 Oxford City
August 2018: Oxford City 0-3 Stones
April 2018: Stones 1-1 Oxford City (Pratt)
November 2017: Oxford City 3-2 Stones (Eisa 2)
Preview by Dec O’Reilly