William Bewsey
9:47am, Thu 9th Nov 2023
Oxford City v Woking
Vanarama National League
Saturday 11th November 2023
15:00 Kick-Off
Woking will hope to get their league campaign back on track when they travel to newly promoted Oxford City on Saturday.
Following last week's disappointment at Ramsgate, Darren Sarll will hope that his side produce the adequate response against a struggling side and close the gap on those above them. With players such as Jim Kellermann and Reece Grego-Cox not available last week, Woking will hope that they are both fit for the trip down to Marsh Lane, even if it is on a 3G pitch.
Opposition Watch
Promoted through the National League South playoffs after a thumping 4-0 win against St Albans in May, Oxford City were tipped by many to go down and not put up much of a fight. So when Ross Jenkins' side went seven unbeaten between mid August and late September, it was a surprise to some. The problem, however, was that just two of those seven were wins, and just one has followed since, meaning the Hoops have just 14 points from 18 games.
Improvements to the squad in the summer included defender Tafari Moore from St Albans, forward Pierre Fonkeu from Dartford and Fulham loanee Oliver Sanderson, who has been one of the Hoops' key players this season with five goals from midfield. However, the main man for Jenkins' side is undoubtably Josh Parker, with the veteran striker scoring eight in 17 games so far this season.
With seven defeats in their last eight, this is yet another potential banana skin for the Cards, as was Dagenham when they were on a similarly dire run of form. However, Oxford City's home form is somewhat respectable, with three wins, one draw and five defeats, and those three wins have all been by at least a three goal margin. Which one of Ross Jenkins' sides will turn up on Saturday? Woking will hope it's not the one that dismantled Hartlepool, Boreham Wood and AFC Fylde at Marsh Lane.
Last Time Out
There was drama when these two sides met in March 2019, as a last minute Harvey Bradbury winner gave the Cards a crucial 2-1 win at Marsh Lane after Armani Little had cancelled out Kabongo Tshimanga's opener. Woking did the double over Oxford that season, winning 3-2 in mid August at the Laithwaite thanks to goals from Max Kretzschmar, Jake Hyde and Paul Hodges.
Three previous FA Trophy meetings saw Woking victorious at home 1-0 in 2016, whilst in 2015 the Cards were taken to a replay after a 2-2 away draw, eventually winning 2-1 at home.
Around the Ground
Marsh Lane is easily accessible by car, being just off the main A40 road in Oxford, with a free car park at the ground. However, the ground is located in Marston, which doesn't have many nearby amenities, and Oxford train station is three miles away.
The Cards Trust are running a coach and there are spaces available, information is available
here.
Ticket prices are as follows:
Adults - £17
65+ - £12
Blue Light Workers - £12
Student - £5
U17 - £5
Tickets are available
here.
You can also pay on the gate with cash or card, but prices increase by £1 on the day.
