Match Preview | Dortchester Town v Oxford City
We enter the Emirates FA Cup.
Oxford City are back on the road on Saturday afternoon as they travel to take on Dorchester Town in the 2nd Qualifying Round of the historic FA Cup.
While City enter the competition in this round, the Magpies have already engaged in two previous clashes, starting with a Preliminary Round 3-1 win against Winchester City on home turf back on August 22nd. Following that, a 3-2 victory on the road against Brixham in the 1st Qualifying Round put their name into the hat from which they were drawn against Jenkins’ Hoops.
In their previous campaign, the Hoops were also on the road in this round, with a draw against Westbury United seeing the side travel to Wiltshire. On that occasion, it wasn’t City’s afternoon, with a spirited performance from the hosts seeing them overcome two first-half goals, the first from Josh Ashby and the second from former Hoop Josh Parker, to progress to the next round with a 3-2 victory.
Nevertheless, it’s a new year, and little beats a good cup run! Jenkins’ men will certainly be up for it in their pursuit of cup glory. The stage awaits!
FIXTURE DETAILS
Dorchester Town vs Oxford City
The Avenue Stadium - Saturday 19th September - 3:00pm
FA Cup - 2nd Qualifying Round
Referee: Phillip Eddie Assistant Referees: Martin Bloor & Ella Broad Fourth Official: Stephen Fall
FORM
OXFORD CITY - L W W L W
The Hoops head into the game off the back of a convincing win against Radcliffe last time out, with goals from Pollock, Marsh, and Ashby being complemented by a hard-fought clean sheet.
That victory saw the Hoops rise to second in the Enterprise National League North and register their 5th clean sheet of the season.
That win also added to a strong away record so far this season, which has seen the Hoops pick up 12 out of a possible 15 points on the road, form which they will be looking to continue come Saturday afternoon.
DORTCHESTER TOWN - W L W W W
Dorchester have had a positive start to their league campaign, evident by their current hold on the 4th-placed spot in the Southern League South Division.
In addition, they boast a 100% record on home turf this season, with three league wins and a victory in the FA Cup Preliminary round serving to prove they will be tough to beat at the Avenue.
When it comes to cup action, however, the FA Trophy is one that they were not so fortunate in, losing out to Larkhall Athletic’s 95th-minute winner in the 1st Qualifying Round.
After falling behind on 64 minutes, hope came from Matty Burrows’ 93rd-minute equaliser, but Larkhall responded almost immediately to crush the Magpies’ FA Trophy dream.
ONE TO WATCH - Ethan Taylor
Taylor is one who, so far, has enjoyed hitting the back of the net in this competition, with three FA Cup goals thus far to accompany his two in the league. Indeed, he netted twice against Winchester City upon his entry to the competition, and etched his name onto the scoresheet once again against Brixham.
His current total of 5 sees him sit level with teammate Matty Burrows, who edged level on Tuesday night with his strike against Tiverton Town, but no one has been more reliable on the FA Cup goalsheet for the Magpies this season than Taylor.
Having signed for the club in July 2026, the former Southampton Academy striker is certainly known for his ability in front of goal. Some such stats include his 80 goals in 204 appearances for AFC Totton, including the goal that saw the side promoted to the National League South in May 2025, as they defeated Gloucester City 1-0 in the play-off final. The following season, he netted 13 league goals for Gosport Borough, before becoming a Magpie over the summer.
Clearly, he is one who likes to make his mark in front of goal, and he will be one City will need to keep quiet in order to progress on Saturday afternoon.
THE MANAGER - Glenn Howes
Formerly playing in the club’s midfield, Howes returned to the club during the summer for his second stint as Magpies’ manager.
His first run came to an end after four years in the 2024/25 season, as he made the move to Gosport Borough (where he managed one to watch Ethan Taylor) for the 2025/26 campaign. Interestingly, he also worked with Taylor during his time at AFC Totton.
Returning to the club for the 2026/27 campaign, Howes has enjoyed his restart to life in Dorset, tallying 6 wins from his opening 8 games in all competitions and not registering a league loss since the opening day. Losing out in the FA Trophy certainly wouldn’t have been part of his plan, but will it make him and his side hungrier to progress on Saturday afternoon?
HOW TO FOLLOW
FOLLOW THE ACTION:
As per usual, we will be following the game via our Social Channels, including our new WhatsApp Channel where you can read minute-by-minute action as the LIVE event occurs! You can sign up for free HERE.
