Match Preview | Oxford City v Leamington
City back for first leg of home triple header.
Oxford City are back at The MGroup Stadium for the first leg of three successive home games as they host Leamington before Bedford and Hereford make the journey for a clash in the Enterprise National League North.
The Hoops just can't catch a break this season as they left The Eyrie Stadium with no points for the fifth time in six games despite utterly dominating the game.
The last time these sides met, it went similarly to that as well. The Brakes stunned The Hoops with a late smash and grab to complete the league double over City.
Oxford City Manager Ross Jenkins isn't letting the run of results get him down as he said: "We are playing really good football. We are dominating sides, we just couldn't get the ball in the net and that can happen sometimes.
"The results will come as long as we stick together and keep doing what we know we are good at. I have full confidence in that."
FIXTURE DETAILS
Oxford City v Leamington
The MGroup Stadium – Saturday 25th October – 3pm
Enterprise National League North
Referee: Harry Warner Assistant Referees: Michael Smith & Nathanael Wormleighton Fourth Official: Richard Fullicks
FORM (League Only)
OXFORD CITY - L L D L L
It goes from bad to worse for The Hoops. Another dominant performance but nothing to show for it. That's really the story of the season for City. Tyrone Marsh's first half goal sunk The Hoops away at Bedford to give City one point from their last six games.
Surprisingly for Jenkins, his side couldn't score which is a rare occurrence this season as it's just the second game of the season they have failed to do so.
There are glimmers of hope though, that draw away to Chorley stands an aim point for what this City side can achieve.
LEAMINGTON - L D L L L
It's not much better for The Brakes. They look to end their losing streak as they travel to OX3. Successive defeats to Scarborough, Darlington and Macclesfield leaves Leamington with just 12 points through the opening 13 games and one position above the relegation zone.
They too have one point from their last six games, but they did manage to win three from four league games prior to the dip in form.
The Brakes' problems lie in front of goal. Ewan Williams tops their scoring charts with three and the side have only scored 10 goals.
ONE TO WATCH - Ewan Williams
wan Williams was born on 15 November 2003. Before arriving at Leamington, he played for lower-league clubs including Coleshill Town and earlier on at Atherstone Town. His performances at those levels caught the eye of Leamington’s management. For instance, after a FA Cup tie versus Coleshill Town, Leamington boss Paul Holleran decided to bring Williams in.
The young midfielder signed for The Brakes in September 2023. In his first season he made a strong impression, adapting quickly to the new level and becoming an important part of the squad.
A standout moment came when he scored the decisive goal in the play-off final that secured Leamington’s promotion from the Southern Premier Division Central back to the National League North. That goal came in the 73rd minute of the final against AFC Telford United.
Williams is currently top scorer for The Brakes, with 3. His most recent was the winner which completed the comeback in a 2-1 win over Southport. He hasn't scored in his last 6 appearances however.
THE MANAGER - Paul Holleran
Approaching his 15th year in charge of the Brakes, Holleran passed 700 games in charge of the club in March 2024, and celebrated at the end of the season by leading his side back to the National League North at the first attempt through the Southern League Play Offs.
During his time at the helm, he has also led the club to a Southern League title and a Play Off win along with three Birmingham Senior Cup wins, whilst playing a large part in the development of several current EFL players.
Starting his career as a scholar at Birmingham City, Paul played for Alvechurch and Solihull Borough before two knee operations forced early retirement and a move into coaching, where he is qualified to UEFA level.
He was instrumental in setting up reserve and youth teams at Solihull before his first managerial role at Kings Norton Town, guiding them to runners up spot in the Midland Alliance and a cup win. He then worked alongside David Busst at Solihull, eventually taking over the manager’s role.
He had a hand in both Solihull and Halesowen Town winning promotion in 2003/04, taking over the latter part way through the season.
The Yeltz won the Worcestershire Senior Cup and reached the 1st round proper of the FA Cup under his stewardship. Paul has also managed Rushall Olympic, taking them to two play-off spots and the 4th Qualifying Round of the FA Cup for the first time in their history.
HOW TO FOLLOW
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