Match Preview | Telford United v Oxford City
A 'do-not-miss' fixture coming up.
Oxford City travel to AFC Telford United on Tuesday night as the miles continue to rack up in the Enterprise National League North.
This is the first time we will have faced AFC Telford, as the Southern Premier Central playoff winners, make their first appearance in the National League North since 2022-23.
For those of you interested in groundhopping, this away game is certainly not one to miss. The New Bucks Head, or SEAH Stadium to give it its proper name, is widely considered among the best in non-league football and currently holds a Football League 'A" grading.
Telford United garnered a reputation for giantkilling in the mid 80s and and made it to the FA Cup 5th round in 1985 where they faced eventual division one and FA cup winner, Everton.
They club reformed into AFC Telford United in 2004. Since the reformation of the football club, AFC Telford United have not yet been able to recapture the heroics of yesteryear, reaching the First Round on just five occasions. In the First Round of 2008, it took a last gasp equaliser from Southend United to prevent another famous win after two Jon Adams strikes had given Telford a 2-1 lead against their League One opponents. Southend won the replay 2-0 at Roots Hall.
This season, AFC Telford have made an impression on the league and they certainly do not lack the entertainment factor. The Bucks have scored and conceded in every league game since 20th September and have only failed to score or concede in all bar four league games this campaign.
Remi Walker has been the standout performer in front of goal, bagging seven goals this season, while Matt Stenson and Adan George have also supported well picking up five and four goals respectively.
Another tough test is expected for City but on recent form and results, The Hoops should have the quality to get the job done and make a push up the league table.
FIXTURE DETAILS
AFC Telford v Oxford City
SEAH Stadium – Tuesday 24th November – 7:45pm
Enterprise National League North
Referee: Jonathan Chadwick Assistant Referees: Luke Bowles & Jamie Roberts Fourth Official: Keir Sheppard
FORM
AFC TELFORD - W L D L D
Telford had a good result on the weekend after a 1-1 draw at home to South Shields. A late Jordan Piggott was not only enough to earThe Bucks a point but enough to earn him a spot in the Team of the Week.
Telford were defeated by a George Newell brace away in Marine, and were heavily defeated by Merthyr Town. Ricardo Rees bagged all four in that game.
Their only win in the last five league games was a 2-1 win over Worksop Town.
OXFORD CITY - L W W L D
A draw away to Marine was probably a fair result but a good one for The Hoops. City's latest signing, Jamie Pardington, was a shining light on a cold evening in Liverpool.
It is also the third clean sheet City have kept in their last four games, which come with seven points. The Hoops still remain in the bottom four and one point from safety having played a game extra.
The Hoops have scored the most goals in the bottom half of the league, despite scoring once in the last two games.
ONE TO WATCH - Remi Walker
Playmaker Remi Walker joined the Bucks in July 2023 after a successful trial period and enjoyed a remarkable debut campaign.
He scored on his debut but was injured and missed several matches. Once back in the team, his influence steadily grew. Remi contributed seven goals from midfield, and his playmaking was a significant factor in the Bucks’ charge up the table into second place. As a result, Remi won the supporters ‘Young Player of the Season award.
A product of the Birmingham City academy, Walker signed a two-year professional deal with the Blues in July 2021 and became a regular in their u21 side, captaining the side on several occasions.
No stranger to the Southern League Central, Remi appeared 19 times on loan at Alvechurch in the second half of 2022/23 before leaving Birmingham at the end of the season and eventually linking up with the Bucks.
His return for a second season at the Bucks was viewed by supporters as another hugely important retention by manager Kevin Wilkin.
THE MANAGER - Kevin Wilkin
Kevin joins the club after a hugely successful seven seasons as first team manager of Brackley Town in The National League North. He led the Saints to regular play-off finishes, two appearances in FA Cup second round proper and a remarkable FA Trophy win in 2018.
Before that, at Wrexham, he took them to the FA Trophy Final and the third round of the FA Cup and took Nuneaton to three promotions and a number of FA Cup runs to the First Round proper.
Wilkin started his playing career with hometown side Cambridge City, before moving into the Football League and turning professional with Northampton Town.
Later spells followed with Rushden and Diamonds, Nuneaton Borough, Cambridge City and Grantham Town, before returning to Nuneaton as player/assistant manager to Roger Ashby in 2004.
HOW TO FOLLOW
FOLLOW THE ACTION:
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There's also LIVE commentary on BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website.
