Match Preview | Oxford City v Marine
City looking to go back-to-back
Oxford City host Marine on the weekend as they look to continue the positivity from the win against Worksop Town in the Enterprise National League North.
The Hoops are searching for their second back-to-back wins of the season, the first came at home against Worksop Town and Hereford.
Earlier in the season it was a statement in Marine as new signing Jamie Pardington produced a debut to remember for City fans in between the posts. Hoops fans will be hoping for the same from newly-signed Max Metcalfe...
With O'Shea Ellis and Evan Humphries extending their stints with the Hoops and a new face in goal, the mood in the camp is as high as ever and Oxford City Manager Ross Jenkins is keen for the boys to capitalise on the good spirit, he said: "It was good to come away with three points from Worksop and building on that momentum as we near the end of the season is vital.
"I have every faith in this group to really make a run up the table toward the end of the season."
City's record against the merseyside outfit. They haven't lost in their last three outings against the Mariners and the Hoops won 1-0 in this fixture last season as Lewis Coyle scored brilliantly from a corner, in otherwise seemingly moment-less game.
FIXTURE DETAILS
Oxford City v Marine
The MGroup Stadium - Saturday 21st February – 3:00pm
Enterprise National League North
Referee: Scott Simpson Assistant Referees: Minesh Gupta & Benjamin Schofield Fourth Official: Richard Fullicks
FORM
OXFORD CITY - L W L L D
Oxford City’s recent form has been tough, with one win, two draws and two defeats in their last five league games.
They started with a 1–1 draw at Spennymoor Town, followed by a 3–1 home defeat by Merthyr Town. Next was a 0–0 draw at Peterborough Sports, showing improved defence.
They then lost 1–0 away at Radcliffe and secured a morale-boosting 2–1 win over Buxton.
Overall the Hoops have struggled for consistency and goals, though the win over Buxton offers a rare positive in an otherwise challenging run.
MARINE - D W D L W
They beat Leamington 5–0 in a strong attacking performance, and earlier edged Chester 2–1.
Draws came against Scarborough Athletic (1–1) and South Shields (2–2), showing resilience but difficulty finishing chances. Their sole loss in the last five was a 4–1 defeat at Curzon Ashton, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities.
Overall Marine scored 11 goals and conceded 8 in this span, indicating an improved goal threat but mixed defensive consistency as they build momentum in the season.
ONE TO WATCH - George Newell
Newell came through Everton’s youth system before spells at Bolton Wanderers and Motherwell, later becoming a key goalscorer for Bala Town in the Cymru Premier. He returned to Marine permanently in summer 2025, bringing solid non-league and Welsh top-flight experience.
In the 2025/26 season, Newell has featured regularly, making around 17 appearances and scoring 6–7 goals for Marine across league and cup action, showing sharp finishing in the final third.
A strong link-up player with an eye for goal, he previously netted 39 goals in under 100 appearances at Bala Town and has shown consistent scoring at non-league level.
Son of former top-flight striker Mike Newell, George combines pedigree with non-league grit — making him a danger in and around the box and one to watch as Marine push in the National League North campaign.
THE MANAGER - Bobby Grant
Grant came through the youth system at Accrington Stanley, making his debut for the first at 16 years old, the youngest since 1959 and the second-youngest football league appearance maker in the history of the club.
Grant also made appearances for Scunthorpe, Rochdale, Blackpool and Wrexham before taking a player-coach role at Radcliffe. He became the full-time manager of Radcliffe after the Boro sacked Lee Fowler.
On 29 April 2023, he was announced to have departed the club by mutual consent. He had led the club to their highest league finish, defeat on the final day of the 2022–23 season denying the club a play-off place however.
In May, Marine appointed Grant as the manager.
HOW TO FOLLOW
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