Match Preview | Scarborough Athletic v Oxford City
City return to league action with away trip to Scarborough
Oxford City look to put the FA Cup disappointment behind as they get into the flow of the Enterprise National League North league with a trip to Scarborough Athletic... sort of
Scarborough aren't currently playing their football at their normal ground, due to major works required to resolve standing issues with the playing surface. As a result, Scarborough have replaced their home at Scarborough Sports Village with The Mounting Systems Stadium in Bridlington.
The Seadogs have been in imperious form ever since the season opener against Kidderminster. Since that 1-0 defeat away to The Harriers, Boro have gone unbeaten, in the league at least, beating Fylde and Buxton on the way.
City, on the other hand, have been struggling for results. The quality of football has generally been more than enough to earn points but the results just haven't fallen The Hoops' way.
Three of the last four meetings between the two sides have resulted in stalemates and both games last season were draws.
Oxford City Manager Ross Jenkins said: "It's good to be able to move on quickly and get back to the league.
"It's a big game coming up and one we need to get a result from but if we play the way we have been playing in recent weeks, I have full confidence that we have enough to get something from it."
FIXTURE DETAILS
Scarborough Athletic v Oxford City
The Mounting Systems Stadium – Saturday 20th September – 3:00pm
Enterprise National League North
Referee: Thomas Wilson Assistant Referees: Paul Mosley & Thomas James Fourth Official: Glen Hart
FORM
SCARBOROUGH ATHLETIC - W W W W D
Scarborough Athletic have made an excellent start to the 2025/26 National League North season. After eight league games, they have recorded 5 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss, scoring 15 goals and conceding 8 for a goal difference of +7. This puts them in 3rd place, just a few points off the early pacesetters.
One factor that stands out is their strong home form with an almost perfect record secured, generating 3.00 points per game at home.
Away from home their form is more patchy, with draws and a loss dampening the otherwise promising start. In their match against Southport, they won 2-0 with Stephen Walker scoring and converting a penalty.
In recent games, Scarborough have beaten the likes of Peterborough Sports, Merthyr Town, Southport and Buxton and their one draw was a difficult away trip to Chester.
OXFORD CITY - L L L W L
Oxford City have had a difficult start to the 2025/26 campaign. Over their first eight league matches they have managed 2 wins, 1 draw, and 5 losses, giving them a low points per game of about 0.88. Their goal tally sits at a respectable 14 scored, but they’ve conceded 16, leaving them with a negative goal difference of -2.
Their home form has shown more encouraging signs comparatively. In home matches they’ve been more competitive, though still inconsistent. Away from home however, Oxford City have really struggled. Losses dominate their road record, with very few points taken, despite the promising performances and dominating large chunks of multiple games.
The one win for The Hoops came against a lacklustre Alfreton side but a late goal against Spennymoor and abck-to-back red cards against Chester and Radcliffe have condemned City to just one win in the last five games.
LAST TIME OUT
The Hoops earned a well deserved point the last time they made the ling journey north to face Scarborough.
ONE TO WATCH - Stephen Walker
Walker came through the academy system at Middlesbrough FC, his birthplace, making his debut for the U18 side in the 2016/17 season.
During his spell at Middlesborough he went out on loan multiple times. He was sent to MK Dons twice (2019 and 2020/21) and Crewe Alexandra twice (2020 and 2021) before finally joining Tranmere Rovers, where he didn't make a first team appearance.
After leaving Middlesbrough he joined West Auckland Town in 2023 and transferred to Whitby Town later that year. At Whitby he quickly became a regular starter, scored goals, and drew attention from other clubs.
In February 2025, Scarborough Athletic bought Walker from Whitby Town for an undisclosed fee and he signed a contract until 2026. He has currently scored seven league goals and has become a key figure in the front line.
Walker also represented England at U17s, U18s and U19s. He scored a hattrick for England U19s against Macedonia in October 2018.
THE MANAGER - Jono Greening
Scarborough appointed Jonathan Greening in 2021. His first season in charge of the Seadogs he led them to promotion from the Northern Premier League. It was also Greening’s first role as head coach.
He had previously coached the academy team at York City and Tadcaster Albion, where his younger brother played.
Last season, Greening took Scarborough to a respectable 13th place finish but this season he has his sights set much higher.
Greening enjoyed an illustrious playing career. He came through the ranks at York City to play for their first team before a big move to Manchester United in 1998. During this period, he was on the bench for the famous 1999 Champions League final.
From United, Greening moved to Middlesborough where he received an England call-up. Greening also played nearly 200 times for West Brom before moves to Fulham and Nottingham Forest.
HOW TO FOLLOW
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