Match Preview | Oxford City v South Shields
Hoops hope for hat trick of home wins
Oxford City host league leaders, South Shields at The MGroup Stadium as they look to build on the brilliant win over AFC Fylde in the Enterprise National League North on Tuesday 27th.
The spirit is high in OX3 after a 1-0 win over promotion hopeful AFC Fylde. Ewan Clark's third goal in as many home games sealed the important three points for The Hoops.
Earlier in the season, The Hoops had a difficult night in the North East. Despite Parker's early goal against the run of play, the hosts were too much for City and ran away 4-1 winners.
The last time The Mariners visited The MGroup Stadium, they also won 4-1. Corie Andrews scored within four minutes to level the scores after Ben Middlemas scored within two minutes.
Oxford City Manager Ross Jenkins said: "It's always a good feeling after win like Saturday but we have to keep our feet on the ground and prepare for South Shields like it's any other day.
"The boys have been excellent and the senior lads have really stood up. The spirits are good in the camp and we are making some good strides."
FIXTURE DETAILS
Oxford City v South Shields
The MGroup Stadium – Saturday 31st January – 3:00pm
Enterprise National League North
Referee: George Warren Assistant Referees: Abdul Kadir & Jamie Stevenson Fourth Official: Neal Templey
FORM
OXFORD CITY - L D W L W
The Hoops have earned seven points in the last five games, which include wins against Buxton and AFC Fylde. The Hoops are unbeaten at home in 2026 and only conceded once.
In the last eight games, City have earned 1.38 points per game, which is a 43.8% increase only the previous eight.
City are still yet to win a game away from home and have the second worst away form in the league after Leamington, but Hereford have the worst home record with just two wins in nine games.
SOUTH SHIELDS - W D W W D
With eleven points in the last five games, South Shields sit 3rd in the form table. The draws came against Marine and Buxton, both away from home. The wins were over Southport, Leamington and Darlington.
The Mariners have an astonishing goal difference of +39. They've scored 61 goals, only bettered by Merthyr Town's 65. More impressively, they have conceded just 22 goals. Kidderminster come in with the next fewest on 29.
It's no wonder South Shields have only lost twice given their incredible defensive record.
ONE TO WATCH - Paul Blackett
Blackett is joint top scorer for The Mariners with 15 alongside Cedwyn Scott. Blackett has scored twice in the last five games. Scott netted a first half hat trick against Spennymoor, while Blackett picked up the sixth and final goal.
There's not much between the two goalscorers. They both scored against The Hoops earlier in the year.
A proven goalscorer at Vanarama National League North level, Paul Blackett signed for South Shields from Spennymoor in the summer of 2023.
Blessed with a poacher’s instinct and hard-working attitude, he has scored goals regularly at this level for Gateshead, Blyth Spartans and Spennymoor previously. Blackett scored 30 goals for the Mariners last season.
THE MANAGER - Ian Watson
Watson started his senior coaching journey in 2019 at Gateshead FC, working as Assistant Manager under Mike Williamson, where he enjoyed considerable success by winning the National League North title in the 2021/22 season, which was then followed immediately by reaching the final of the FA Trophy at Wembley Stadium in the 2022/23 season.
The blueprint of winning football, coupled with a hugely attractive playing style drew the attention of many EFL clubs, and in October 2023 Ian continued his successful partnership with Mike Williamson when he was appointed his Assistant Manager at MK Dons in League Two.
The pair then went on to guide MK Dons from a start position of 16th in the League 2 table to a play-off place by the end of the same season, with Watson building his reputation yet further for his progressive coaching concepts and the continued delivery of attractive, winning football.
In September 2024, the pair were appointed by Carlisle United, tasked with implementing a forward-thinking football philosophy. When Williamson departed the club in early 2025, Ian was retained as First Team Coach before returning to MK Dons the following month.
Watson signed for South Shields at the beginning of the season, following the departure of Elliot Dickman.
HOW TO FOLLOW
FOLLOW THE ACTION:
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There's also LIVE commentary on BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website.
