Match Preview | Oxford City v Bedford Town
The season opener is here!
The wait is over. Proper football is back. No more playing for minutes. The real thing is upon us.
Oxford City host Bedford Town for the first game of 2026/27 Enterprise National League North season. How good is that to read?
Both sides have gone through the ritualistic pre-season. Both side played six games and both sides deemed it successful, but now we will find out where everyone stands.
A new-look City side return to a new-look The MGroup Stadium and we can't wait, ambitions and expectations are high, but Ross Jenkins has been eager to emphasise it's a long journey and there will be ups-and-down throughout the season. "It's just one game in 46, there's so much to happen" he said.
"We saw last season, that teams can go through phases and this first game is not the be-all and end-all for us. Obviously, we know the fans will be up for it and we like that. They boys need to be playing in front of bouncing, energetic crowds.
"We will see how it goes, I"m happy with preparation, the boys feel good so hopefully we can give this crowd something to cheer about."
Oxford City haven't won the season opener for the last five years. Will this season be any different? Well, if we go off last season's results, possibly not.
The Hoops faced The Eagles twice in two weeks and came away with nothing twice. If you saw the game, you will appreciate that City. should have had at least point in both games though.
The first of 46 league games is here and anything can happen.
See you tomorrow. Come on you Hoops!
FIXTURE DETAILS
Oxford City v Bedford Town
The MGroup Stadium - Saturday 8th August – 3:00pm
Enterprise National League North
Referee: Brandon Scaife Assistant Referees: Robbie Maris & Keiran Bailey Fourth Official: Benjamin Twitchings
FORM (Pre-Season)
OXFORD CITY - WWWLLL
The Hoops brought in ten new faces to dressing room this summer. Marsh and Brown from Bedford and a whole host of other quality players.
City began the pre-season well with a dominant performance over Briton Ferry before beating Hemel Hampstead and Birmingham U21s.
City lost their final three games but Manager Ross Jenkins was insistent that The Hoops were still on the right tracks and serious progress was being made.
BEDFORD TOWN - DWWWWL
The Eagles had a successful pre-season, racking up the wins and getting plenty of match fitness into their legs.
The only game they had with any real competition was the Bedfordshire Senior cup final against local rivals from across the park, Real Bedford. Real Bedford won that game with The Eagles surrendering the lead on two occasions.
Having lost, Marsh and Brown, both to The Hoops, Bedford. had to make a flock of changes to their side, one which involved their manager, but we will talk about that below...
ONE TO WATCH - Laurie Walker
A familiar name to Hoops fans, Walker was on loan at The MGroup Stadium in 2025 for his second stint at the club having appeared 41 times for City between 2015 and 2017.
Having returned to his parent club at the end of last season, Walker moved to Bedford Town. over the summer. Many fans will remember his miraculous saves to keep City afloat during the dark winter months of last season, but hoping for very much the opposite this time around.
In the Bedford net, Walker is an imposing figure with superb reflexes and agility. It's no easy feat to get the ball past him, but City will have to, to claim three points on Matchday 1.
THE MANAGER - Harry Smart
Harry Smart, not to be confused with the mid 1900's poet, took over from Lee Bircham over the summer as Bedford's Manager.
The young manage joined The Eagles in 2025 as assistant manager having previously been at Royston Town and the U14s coach at Stevenage Town.
UEFA A-licenced Harry had a short but successful playing career as a goalkeeper representing the likes of Biggleswade Town, Royston Town, Colney Heath, Potters Bar Town and Hillingdon Borough.
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.
There's also LIVE commentary on BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website.
