Match Preview | Chorley v Oxford City
City look to get back to winning ways.
Oxford City travel North once again, looking to get back to winning ways as they face Chorley at Grant Store Victory Park in the Enterprise National League North.
This fixture produced two draws last season, with City's away leg ending in a drab 0-0 on a wet Tuesday evening. City will be hoping for more this tie around as they have the chance to exit the bottom four.
City are coming off the back of three defeats, most recently to Curzon Ashton, despite dominating the possession and chances from the game.
Chorley aren't in much better form, however, as they are also looking to return to winning ways as they lost to South Shields for the second game in a row.
Oxford City Manager Ross Jenkins said: "The most important thing is that the boys have been really positive.
"We are still early in the season, loads of points still to play for and going up to Chorley are putting in a good, positive performance is a must."
FIXTURE DETAILS
Chorley v Oxford City
Victory Park – Saturday 10th October – 3:00pm
Enterprise National League North
Referee: Jack Churchill Assistant Referees: Alexander Beeley & Adam Watson Fourth Official: Thomas Harland
FORM (League Only)
CHORLEY- L L W W L
While Chorley do sit in the top five of the Enterprise National League North, they're recent form hasn't been consistent with their table position.
The Magpies lost back-to-back games against Leamington (1-0) and Curzon Ashton (2-0) before arresting their slide down the league with wins over two newly-promoted sides, AFC Telford (3-1) and Macclesfield (3-2).
They were second best as they lost 2-0 last week to league-leading South Shields, the week after the Mariners knocked the Magpies out of the FA Cup.
Chorley do have an impressive home record through five games with four wins and a draw but they have conceded in all of their last five games.
OXFORD CITY - L W L L L
The Hoops, despite their league table position, have been playing some good football. You don't need to look much further than the scorelines, City have only lost one game by more than a goal which was Radcliffe (1-5).
City are yet to get their first win away from home with just one draw (Kidderminster) from their first five away trips and with Chorley unbeaten at home, it could be a difficult task for City.
There are still plenty of positives to take in recent weeks as Ewan Clark returned to the Hoops are netted his first back in City colours, Isaac Westendorf has returned to fitness and Sam Lewis has been outstanding in goal in recent weeks.
ONE TO WATCH - Mike Calveley
Calveley signed for Chorley at the beginning of the 2020/21 season, where he contributed to an exceptional run in the FA Cup, beating Wigan in the first round, Peterborough United in the second and Derby County in the third.
Calveley started out at Port Vale and signed a professional contract after winning the club’s Youth Player of the Year award. He made three appearances in the Football League before moving on to Curzon Ashton.
At Port Vale, Calveley earned a reputation for being a competitor, playing direct football and looking to break the lines.
He scored seven league goals in the 2023/24 season, his most prolific of his career until last season when he bagged 11.
THE MANAGER - Andy Preece
Former Premier League forward, Preece was appointed as Chorley’s manager in May 2022 after serving as the club’s director of football.
He began his career at Worcester City, before taking time out of the game. He then signed for Wrexham in 1990.
In 1991, he moved to Stockport County and enjoyed his most prolific period of his career, scoring 42 in 97 league games and earning himself a move to Premier League Crystal Palace.
Preece began his managerial career as player-manager for Bury and in April 2023, celebrated his 750th games as a manager.
HOW TO FOLLOW
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