Match Preview | Hereford v Oxford City
Penultimate away trip for City
Oxford City make their penultimate away trip tomorrow night as they take on Hereford in the biggest game of the season at Edgar Street in the Enterprise National League North.
Three games left, three points up for grabs and chance to confirm City's step 2 status for another season. A few months ago, Hoops fans would have been ecstatic to be in this position but given the recent run of form, it has felt like a never-ending relegation scrap.
Hereford and Alfreton seem to have kept pace with City through their run of form and last weekend's draw with Alfreton could have big implications on the final standings. Whether that is in City's favour or not, only time will tell.
The Hoops have fond memories of playing Hereford. It was a brilliant 3-0 win at The MGroup Stadium earlier in the season, Ashby, Scott and Bearne all getting on the scoresheet.
The last time they visited Edgar Street, Parker and Ashby scored last into the second half to seal the three points.
Hereford will be no pushover and City are expecting a battle against one of the league's youngest sides. Former City defender, Freddy Wilcox is expected to sit at the base of midfield but has been known to drop into the back three. By all accounts, he has been the star man for The Bulls since his arrival from Cheltenham.
Oxford City Manager Ross Jenkins said: "We know how difficult it will be tomorrow night, but the boys are ready. Everyone feels good and spirits are high despite the result on the weekend.
"Every point matters in a season like today and we still have nine on the table and we want all nine."
FIXTURE DETAILS
Hereford v Oxford City
Edgar Street - Tuesday 14th April – 7:45pm
Enterprise National League North
Referee: Lewis B. Smith Assistant Referees: Craig Thompson & Michael Pattison Fourth Official: Jack Shepherd
FORM
HEREFORD - L L W W D
Hereford's last three results have kept them in the relegation battle. They also helped to stop a seven game losing streak.
The Bulls had a serious issue with a waterlogged pitch earlier in the season and have been forced to play twice, sometimes three times a week for a couple of months now. The recent wins and the draw are a testament to the determination of their players.
The draw against Bedford on the weekend has given them a mountain to climb but a win over City will go a long way to achieving it.
OXFORD CITY - W W D W D
Oxford City are the most in form side in the National League North after Scarborough's run came to an end on the weekend.
City are unbeaten in seven and have only lost once in the last ten which came against Scarborough at the MGroup Stadium.
They have three wins in the last five games and two draws. The Hoops defeated Peterborough Sports, Kidderminster and Chorley but drew with Alfreton and Merthyr.
ONE TO WATCH - Freddy Wilcox
The youngster signed his first professional contract with the Robins at the beginning of the season and made his debut for Cheltenham’s first team after replacing Elliot Bonds during a 2-2 draw with Charlton Athletic in League One in the 2022/23 season.
Willcox, 20, spent the 2023/24 season at Southern League Division One South side Evesham United and was an ever-present figure in their midfield.
Wilcox then joined Oxford City on loan and was a key figure in the backline for The Hoops toward the end of the season. The midfielder has continued to impress as he has been the main man in Hereford's midfield.
THE MANAGER - Aaron Downes
Before stepping into management, Downes built a solid 15-year playing career as a defender, making over 350 senior appearances across the Football League and non-league. Chesterfield FC, Bristol Rovers FC, Torquay United FC and Cheltenham Town FC were among the clubs he represented.
Downes moved into coaching after retiring, quickly earning opportunities in senior setups. He worked as assistant manager under Gary Johnson at Torquay, gaining valuable experience in team preparation and match management.
He later continued in a similar role under Mike Flynn at Cheltenham Town, further broadening his exposure to different tactical approaches and dressing-room environments.
HOW TO FOLLOW
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