Match Preview | Oxford City v Scarborough Athletic
Hoops building momentum
Oxford City welcome Scarborough Athletic to The MGroup Stadium on Saturday as the Enterprise National League North nears the final stretch.
Oxford City are probably in the best form of the season. The second consecutive away win of the season against King's Lynn has pushed The Hoops out of the relegation zone and with one loss in the last five, City will be high on confidence coming into this one.
Earlier in the season, at The Mounting Systems Stadium, Scarborough's temporary home, the Seadogs clinched the winner through a Will Thornley header but it was Charlie Wiggett's incorrectly ruled out goal that stole the headlines.
Scarborough come into this game without a win in the last three games. They will be desperate to right the ship as they make a push for the playoffs. Boro currently sit in 8th position on 54 points.
Oxford City Manager Ross Jenkins said, "It's important we take it one game at a time. The games are coming thick and fast and we need to be ready for them.
"The boys are training well, the spirits are high and they are taking on board the information we are giving them."
FIXTURE DETAILS
Oxford City v Scarborough Athletic
The MGroup Stadium - Saturday 7th March – 3:00pm
Enterprise National League North
Referee: Harry Jones Assistant Referees: Simon Kavanagh & Mitchell Cartwright Fourth Official: Neal Templey
FORM
OXFORD CITY - D W L D W
It has been a turnaround in form for The Hoops but it's by no means been a relaxing on. Last weekend's win away at King's Lynn was a nerve-racking end but O'Shea Ellis and Tom Scott's goals were eventually enough.
That win also made it one defeat in five with the only blemish on City's record is the defeat to Marine.
City have only conceded four goals in the last five games as the backline has been solidified in recent weeks.
SCARBOROUGH ATHLETIC - W W L D D
Scarborough are travelling down to The MGroup Stadium having had back-to-back draws. A 0-0 with Hereford and a 2-2 against Macclesfield, despite going down to 10-men.
The Seadogs are without a win in the last three. Fortunately, the sides around them are also faltering as they make a push for the playoffs.
Scarborough have scored 7 more goals than The Hoops this season and conceded 10 fewer.
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 sixteen 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 - Jonathan 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
FOLLOW THE ACTION:
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There's also LIVE commentary on BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website.
