Match Preview | Oxford City vs Wealdstone
Everything you need to know ahead of the Hoops' clash with the Stones.
Saturday's defeat to AFC Fylde confirmed Oxford City's relegation from the Vanarama National League. However, the season is far from over for Ross Jenkins' team.
Despite the set-back, there's still fifteen points to play for this season, and the Hoops are wanting to record a strong finish to their first-ever season in the fifth tier.
In their way on Good Friday are another part-time team in Wealdstone. Furthermore, three points for David Noble's team would give the Ruislip side a huge boost in their survival hopes.
It's still so tight towards the bottom of the table, and you can argue that any team below 12th place could get sucked into the drop zone.
City may have been relegated, but now the task will be to finish strong and disrupt their opponent's campaigns.
There's still a few twists and turns to come in the division.
Team News
- There's no new injury concerns for Ross Jenkins
- Andre Burley has returned from international duty with St Kitts & Nevis and is back in contention for selection.
FIXTURE DETAILS
Oxford City vs Wealdstone
Vanarama National League
RAW Charging Stadium Friday 29th March 15:00
Referee: Elliot Swallow | Assistants: Ryan McIlravey & Luis Martin | Fourth Official: Harry Warner
RECENT FORM
Wealdstone - D W L D L
Once again, Wealdstone have been defying the odds this season.
The Stones were a victim of their own success this season after former-Manager Stuart Maynard departed to take the Manager's role at Notts County in the EFL.
However, in David Noble, they have a Manager that has continued to progress the team.
Defeats in their last five matches to Bromley & Altrincham are no disgrace. Although, they've picked up points in their big games (which were perhaps more of a priority for their battle to beat the drop).
They secured a big win away at AFC Fylde during their last five games, and just before that they won on the road again at York City.
A win on Friday would bring Wealdstone to the 50 point mark, a tally that is generally seen as the 'safe'. However, with the outlook of the division this season, you never know whether that will be enough...
THE GAFFER'S THOUGHTS
Read what Ross Jenkins had to say before Sunday's match by clicking HERE.
ONE TO WATCH - Tarryn Allarakhia
There's not many players who can boast that they played at the African Cup of Nations this season. However, Wealdstone had the unique challenge of replacing Allarakhia during January, after he flew to South Africa to represent Tanzania on the world stage.
The tricky winger lined up in his nation's defeats to Morocco & Egypt, as the Taifa Stars were knocked out of a difficult group in the group stage.
However, back in England (and the National League) Allarakhia is making sure that Wealdstone retain their tier five status.
He has five National League goals to his name so far, and is a key part of David Noble's squad.
He joined Wealdstone in 2022 after leaving Woking. He has also turned out for Aveley, Maldon & Tiptree, & Crawley in his career.
LAST TIME OUT
Josh Parker's stunning free-kick wasn't enough for City in the reverse fixture between the two sides.
Wealdstone ran out as 3-1 winners at Grosvenor Vale, with goals from Kyle Smith and a Sam Bowen double doing the damage.
THE MANAGER - David Noble
In David Noble, Wealdstone have a Manager that fits the club like a glove. After the departure of Stuart Maynard, David Noble made the jump up a division to take the hot-seat at Grosvenor Vale with the Stones from St Albans City.
He signed for the Saints in August 2016 as a player on an 18-month contract and was awarded the captaincy in March 2017. In November of the same year, he also joined the coaching staff working under manager Ian Allinson.
With the departure of Allinson in September 2022, Noble was appointed Head Coach on an interim basis, before his capabilities swiftly earned him the permanent position as First Team Manager in November of the same year. Under his leadership, St Albans City reached the final of the National League South playoffs for the 2022/23 season. However, he won't have fond memories of Oxford City for obvious reasons, as the Hoops recorded a monumental 4-0 victory to secure promotion.
Noble's football career is one of notable distinction, with over 300 appearances in the Football League. His journey began at Arsenal and includes clubs such as Watford, West Ham, Bristol City, and Exeter City. His experience as a player in these competitive environments has undoubtedly shaped his approach as a manager at St Albans, who's exciting brand of football matches the philosophy of former gaffer Stuart Maynard.
HOW TO FOLLOW
FOLLOW THE ACTION:
Stay tuned to our official Twitter page for all the build-up, regular updates and post-match action.
LIVE ON NATIONAL LEAGUE TV
This game is available for streaming via National League TV - Click HERE to buy your match pass. (Remember to select Oxford City as your preferred team).
