Preview: Oxford City (A)

Words: James Whitbread

The Iron go back on the road searching for a sixth victory from United’s last seven games. Opponents Oxford City’s difficult recent form will also be an encouragement for Andy Butler’s side who continue to breath down the neck of Chester, just one point ahead of Scunthorpe with United having a game in hand.

Last time out, the Iron got all three points on home turf against Scarborough Athletic. Cal Roberts got the opener scoring directly from a corner just eight minutes before half time, Carlton Ubaezuonu netted his first goal for the club to extend the lead to two goals in the 76th minute.

Just three minutes later Scarborough pulled one back through a great free kick strike from Harry Green, but United held on to their lead in the last ten minutes to claim a valuable three points.

In the reverse fixture at the Attis Arena, Scunthorpe dropped two points in frustrating fashion. Cal Roberts scored the opener in the fifth minute, before Corie Andrews equalised just 13 minutes later. Roberts scored in the 49th minute and looked to have got the winner, before the visitors equalised deep into injury time courtesy of a goal from Aaron Drewe.

Oxford have started to recently slip down the table, and with five defeats in their last six league games they are desperate for a turnaround in form. City’s home form has been a concern this season as well from the 16 home games played they have picked up just 17 points from a possible 48. With four wins, five draws and seven losses at home this season, United will be looking to punish the hosts.

A few players who may cause some trouble for the Iron are attacking trio Zach McEachran, Josh Parker, and Corie Andrews. McEachran has picked up seven goals and assisted five times this season the 29-year-old has been vital to City this season having been at the club for eight years and become a clear fan favourite.

Josh Parker is an experienced centre forward for Oxford and has shown his worth this season, he has grabbed five league goals this season and set up four for his teammates. With nine goal involvements in his 28 appearances, he will be looking to build on his record and help City climb back up the table.

Corie Andrews, the goalscorer of the late equaliser against Scunthorpe at the Attis Arena will be hoping to cause problems for United once again. The 27 year old wearing the number nine shirt has bagged nine goals in the league this season more than any other City player, and assisted two goals in his 27 appearances this season. He will be looking to get into double figures for goals scored and the thoughts of another goal against promotion chasing Scunthorpe will be an exciting challenge for the striker.The trio have a combined 32 goal involvements from City’s 41 goals scored this city, meaning they have been involved in a whopping 78% of Oxford City’s league goals this season.

As the Iron have the chance to get to top spot in the table if results go their way, Oxford City will be hoping to avoid the relegation form and get a surprise result to help turn their fortunes.