Match Preview | Oxford City v Radcliffe
City look to bounce back as Radcliffe come to town.
Oxford City looking to bounce back after two losses against Spennymoor and Chester as Radcliffe travel to The MGroup Stadium for an Enterprise National League North game this weekend.
The Hoops have been more than up to the challenge of the difficult start and facing off against a Radcliffe side that have begun picking up momentum will be another stern test for City.
However, City did the double over Radcliffe last season. The away leg was a particularly emphatic comeback. Corie Andrews rounded the keeper on the stroke of half time to draw The Hoops level, before Scott and McEachran put City out of sight. The home leg was impressive for the opposite reason. Laurie Walker, on loan from Solihull Moors kept City alive during the final minutes of the game with some outstanding saves.
With defeat to Chester on Monday after going down to 10-men and battling back to 1-1 will sting, particularly after being on top of Spennymoor only to concede a late Glen Taylor free kick, but there are still plenty of positives.
As always, Oxford City's youth development has been impressive. 19-year-old Brayden Daniel started on the right wing and 19-year-old Josh McConnell came off the bench to partner Captain Josh Ashby in the middle of the park.
This will be an excellent test and an entertaining game of football, that's for sure.
FIXTURE DETAILS
Oxford City v Radcliffe
The MGroup Stadium – Saturday 30th August – 3:00pm
Enterprise National League North
Referee: Richard Wharton Assistant Referees: Adam Steele & Matthew Ball Fourth Official: Isaac Blakey
FORM
OXFORD CITY - L W D L L
City opened the season with a tough defeat away to promotion-favourites AFC Fylde. Goals from Tom Scott and Zac McEachran either side of half time, put The Hoops in a commanding position, but three quick fire goals from The Coasters meant City travelled home with nothing.
The first visitor to The MGroup Stadium this season was newly-promoted Macclesfield. Josh Parker bagged his first of the season as did Alfie Potter. The Silkmen clawed one goal back but couldn't find an equaliser and City were on the board.
The first midweek game for City saw the spoils split evenly with Kidderminster. Jack Bearne's first goal for The Hoops against his former club wasn't enough as Alex Penny's managed to snatch a point for The Harriers.
City hosted Spennymoor a week ago and after McEachran's equaliser, it looked as though The Hoops would go on to grab all three points. A late Glen Taylor free kick scarpered any hopes that City had and handed them their second defeat of the season.
Bank Holiday Monday saw City visit the Deva Stadium in Chester. An early Alfie Potter red card was swiftly followed by a Chester opening goal. On a positive note, Isaac Westendorf bagged his first for th club but ultimately, the 10-man Hoops fell to the promotion hopefuls.
RADCLIFFE - L L W L W
Radcliffe began the season with back to back defeats. First it was a 2-1 defeat to Buxton as Luke Brennan scored the first of the season within a minute. The Boro's first summer signing, Jon Taylor bagged his first of the season after 42 minutes.
This was then followed-up by another 2-0 defeat at home to Spennymoor. A Glen Taylor double, one from the spot and a superb finish, put the nails in the coffin for The Boro.
They got themselves on the board with the first win of the season against newly-promoted Worksop Town. It was new signing David Ball and veteran Olly Thornley who managed to overturn the Liam Hughes penalty to earn Radcliffe their first points of the season.
A visit to Leamington quickly turned the tide against The Boro once again as a Ewan Williams double for The Brakes was compounded with a Matt Sargent red card to sour the day for Radcliffe.
They quickly turned around to travel to Hereford, who haven't started the season particularly well. A 1-0 win away from home thanks to a goal from Rick Smith means the visitors travel to Oxford with six points in their last three games and sit in 15th position.
LAST TIME OUT
It was a successful day for The Hoops when Radcliffe came to The MGroup Stadium last season.
ONE TO WATCH - David Ball
Radcliffe’s recent signing David Ball brings with him a wealth of experience from the very top levels of English football. Born in Manchester, Ball began his career in the Manchester City academy, where he earned a reputation as a clinical finisher. He even lifted the FA Youth Cup in 2008, starring in the same side as future Premier League names.
From there, Ball carved out a strong career in the Football League, with notable spells at Swindon Town, Rochdale, Peterborough United, and Fleetwood Town. At Fleetwood in particular, he became a fan favourite, scoring some spectacular goals. One goal earned him a nomination for the FIFA Puskas Award in 2015, the first time an Englishman had been nominated since Wayne Rooney in 2011.
His experience extends overseas too. Ball spent several successful years in the A-League with Wellington Phoenix, where he was a regular contributor in front of goal and showcased his technical ability and eye for a pass.
Now back in Greater Manchester with Radcliffe, Ball is offering his know-how, composure, and professionalism to a side aiming to establish itself in the National League North. He scored his first goal for the club against Worksop Town earlier in the season.
THE MANAGER - Anthony Johnson & Bernard Morley
At the end of the 2023/24, Radcliffe appointed both Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley to replace Bobby Grant.
The pair have enjoyed success across a variety of clubs. They began their managerial careers at Ramsbottom United in 2009 achieving back-to-back promotions taking them into the Northern Premier League.
From there they moved to Salford City, where they made their name featuring on the Class of ’92 documentary. They were at Salford for three and a half years when they moved to Spennymoor Town.
Johnson appeared on screens once again after going viral for drinking a pint of Madri during a post-game interview for Radcliffe at the beginning of last season.
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.
