Senior Cup Final Preview | Oxford City v Kidlington
City's Young Hoops go for silverware
It all comes down to this. Oxford City face Darlington away on the final day of the Enterprise National League North season, with a point securing a position at Step 2 for next season.
City's charge over the last couple of months has been nothing short of remarkable. It's been an incredible turnaround with The Hoops going eight unbeaten to claw themselves out of the bottom four. Sadly, that run came to an end last weekend as Chester won 2-1.
But, as is so often the case in football, it is not over until it's over and City have a job to do on the weekend, with relegation still a possibility. A draw is enough but City will be wanting to finish the season with a win.
The reverse fixture, earlier in the season, was one of City's highlights of the season. A 5-1 victory at The MGroup Stadium, courtesy of a DJ Sturridge hat-trick, kickstarted City's season.
The Hoops are eight unbeaten away from home and the last time City lost on the road was the trip to Radcliffe at the beginning of. February.
Oxford City Manager, Ross Jenkins said: "We know what we need to do, we can't depend on other teams, we need to control the situation and do it ourselves. We are going for three points.
"The boys have prepared and trained well and we will go up there with as job to do."
FIXTURE DETAILS
Oxford City v Kidlington
ASM Stadium - Saturday 2nd May – 3:00pm
Oxfordshire Senior Cup Final
ONES TO WATCH - CITY
Kauan Bitencourt de Oliveira
As a former Kidlington loanee, City's Brazilian magic man will know this defence well. During his time at Kidlington, he was well accustomed to the scoresheet and was prolific in front of goal.
The 18-year-old made his debut for Oxford City's first-team last season as he came on in the FA Cup qualifier against Willand Rovers. He was also a the main man during this year's FA Youth Cup run, scoring the only City goal in the 3rd Round away at Loftus Road against QPR.
He also netted the winner in the previous round of this competition to secure the place in the final. With strength and pace Kauan will be a handful for the backline on the weekend. Expect goals.
Brayden Daniel
Brayden Daniel helped Thame United secure a place in the playoffs during his short spell at the club.
The tricky winger impressed during his stint in the first team. He made his debut early in the season when Spennymoor visited The MGroup Stadium and notched
Daniel was also the star during our first round in the Senior Cup. Elimination was looming as the final minute of added time came around against Oxford United. Daniel burst down the right and slotted it in at the near post to draw City level, before Jack Bearne propelled The Hoops into the semi-final with a final minute winner.
Josh McConnell
McConnell is a midfield general. Expect him to run the show.
After making his debut against Chester early in the season, McConnell performed well at Evesham to secure their safety in Step 3 for another year.
With a huge engine, McConnell will be all over the pitch and hard to miss and with experience at Step 2 and Step 3, he is bound to only get better over the next few years. Certainly one to keep an eye on.
Max Treml
With cat-like reflexes, Max Treml is the best non-league U18 goalkeeper in the country. He has impressed all the way through City's academy and proved his worth in the run to the final. He made an incredible save against Ardley tipping it over the bar early in the game.
Treml made his debut for the first-team against Peterborough Sports in the Isuzu FA Trophy and made his league debut the following Tuesday, in a local derby as City made the trip away to South Shields.
The young goalkeeper will be looking to put the disappointment of Sunday behind him and collect some silverware. Treml was pipped to the London Marathon world record by Sebastian Sawe by the narrow margin of two hours and fourteen minutes. The chance to lift the trophy on Saturday will certainly ease the pain.
ONE TO WATCH - KIDLINGTON
Joey Aust
Target man. Fox in the box. Joey Aust is everything a Premier League striker aspires to be. Some would say, Aust has been unlucky not to make it right to the top of this beautiful game, but Manchester United's loss is Kidlington's gain.
A familiar face to Oxford City fans, Aust worked tirelessly and faultlessly behind the scenes to ensure the smooth running of Oxford City for years and with over 100 appearances for Kidlington, Aust has done the same for our opposition.
The 6"8 striker was a pivotal member of the Hailey FC side that accomplished the infamous back-to-back-to-back-to-back County Cups. A feat achieved before only by The Hoops, probably.
Aust is the danger man for Kidlington and when he comes on in the 75th minute, hold on to your hats.
THE MANAGER - Jordan Piper
Many local fans will have probably seen Piper running out for Chalgrove Cavaliers and had it not been for a nasty injury, Piper was bound for the big time. The rumours circulating are that Piper turned down a big money move in favour of his coaching career here at Oxford City.
Jordan has been at the helm of this Young Hoops group since the beginning and guided them through the academy, into the heart of the FA Youth Cup and to the top of the U19 National League. Many of the graduates have been coached by Piper, who also plays an important role coaching the first-team.
The chance of silverware with this group is something that won't be taken lightly.
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.
