After two successful away trips, Radcliffe return to the Neuven Stadium with the bonus of being out of the relegation zone for the first time since August.

The six points collected on the road also came with back-to-back clean sheets, which hadn’t been achieved since October 2023 prior, as well as keeping consecutive away clean sheets for the first time since March 2023.

The Opposition

Oxford City were relegated from the National League at the end of the last campaign and put into the National League North due to the Oxfordshire-based outfit being the one of the 24 most northern sides at Step 2. Due to the club’s geographical location, the sides have never met in the regional leagues and have never faced off in cup competition, making this the first time the two clubs have faced off.

The Hoops have had a poor start to the season, and have an identical record to the Boro after 12 matches. Whilst Radcliffe have looked strongest away from home, Oxford have been more balanced having picked up five points both home and away so far this season, managing to beat Warrington Town away and Needham Market at home.

Saturday’s matchup has the potential to be goal filled, as Ross Jenkins’ side have conceded the most goals in the division, though have avoided having the worst goal difference due to scoring 16 goals so far this campaign, more than 13 other sides in the division.

Last time out, the Hoops fell to defeat against fourth-placed King’s Lynn. Having fell two goals behind before the break, City came out stronger in the second half and scored in the 57th minute to set up a tense half-hour at Court Place Farm, but hopes of a point were scuttled in the 77th minute as the Linnets added a third to their tally.

Ones to Watch

Hoops’ skipper Reece Fleet has represented the side since his debut in 2011 and captained the side at their highest level last campaign. With over 400 appearances, the midfielder has plenty of experience at step two and will aim to put it to good use to secure his side points on the road this weekend.

Corie Andrews has been the main goal threat this season, the pacy attacker joined Oxford City from Wealdstone after he had helped them stay in the National League. The number nine has scored twice in the last three matches as he helped City take a point from the league leaders, Scunthorpe.

Stat Pack

20th – League Position – 22nd
12 – Games Played – 12
10 – Points – 10
2 – Wins – 2
4 – Draws – 4
6 – Losses – 6
15 – Goals For – 16
23 – Goals Against – 26
J.Hancock (5)– Top Goalscorer – C.Andrews(4)

Matchday Information

Date: 26/10/24
Time: 3pm kick-off
Location: Neuven Stadium

Adult: £15
Concession: £10
U16: Free

Tickets can be purchased online here.

Can’t Attend the Game

Listen to live kick-by-kick commentary over on Radcliffe Radio, click here to tune in from 2:45pm.

Around the Grounds

Brackley Town vs South Shields
Buxton vs Needham Market
Curzon Ashton vs Chester
Darlington vs Warrington Town
Hereford vs Farsley Celtic
King’s Lynn Town vs Leamington
Marine vs Scarborough Athletic
Peterborough Sports vs Kidderminster Harriers
Rushall Olympic vs Alfreton Town
Southport vs Scunthorpe United
Spennymoor Town vs Chorley