Preview: Oxford City (H)

Calum McIntyre’s men are back at the Deva Stadium on Monday afternoon for a clash with Oxford City.

The Blues suffered a second defeat of the season on Saturday at South Shields, who remain at the summit of the Enterprise National League North with a 100% record after four matches.

Tomorrow’s fixture is latest of a busy August schedule, with one to follow when we travel to Worksop Town next Saturday.

The Opposition

The Hoops have endured an inconsistent start to their second National League North season in succession, following relegation to this level in 2024.

Early jubilation on opening day was short-lived as City saw a two-goal lead disappear on the road in a 13-minute spell at AFC Fylde, who netted on three occasions to claim all three points.

Ross Jenkins’ men bounced back immediately with an impressive success over Macclesfield at Court Place Farm, courtesy of goals from experienced duo Josh Parker and Alfie Potter.

A 1-1 draw at Aggborough brought the Hoops a fourth point but Saturday’s contest with Spennymoor Town proved fruitless after Glen Taylor bagged the winner for the visitors in Oxfordshire.

The Gaffer

34-year-old Ross Jenkins is almost 12 months into his second spell with Oxford City after a brief hiatus with Boreham Wood at the beginning of last season.

The boss led the Hoops to National League South play-off success in May 2023, thanks to a stunning 4-0 win over St. Albans City in the final, during which all four goals were scored in a first-half rampage.

He swapped Oxford for Hertfordshire in the summer of 2024, replacing long-term gaffer Luke Garrard at Meadow Lane after relegation from the National League.

Jenkins departed after just eight games at Boreham Wood, and made a return to his former employers just two weeks later to guide the Hoops to survival in the sixth tier last term.

One To Watch

Oxford City stalwart Zac McEachran has been a key man so far this season, which is his eighth for the Hoops since his arrival from Banbury United in 2017.

The forward has netted twice so far in 25/26, once in the second period against AFC Fylde and the sole home goal in Saturday’s defeat to Spennymoor Town.

The 29-year-old recently brought up the half-century mark in terms of goals for the Oxfordshire-based outfit, and has featured on over 250 occasions for the club.

Zac’s older brother, Josh McEachran, played 22 games for Chelsea between 2010-2015 and featured significantly for England at youth level, but now plies his trade in League Two with Bristol Rovers.

League Form Guide

Chester FC | W1 D1 L2 | F4 A10 | Pos: 17th

Last three

Chorley (A) | L 3-0 | Scorers: None

Curzon Ashton (H) | D 1-1 | Scorers: Connor Woods

South Shields (A) | L 4-0 | Scorers: None

Oxford City | W1 D1 L2 | F6 A7 | Pos: 15th

Last three

Macclesfield (H) | W 2-1 | Scorers: Josh Parker, Alfie Potter

Kidderminster Harriers (A) | D 1-1 | Scorers: Jack Bearne

Spennymoor Town (H) | L 2-1 | Scorers: Zac McEachran

MATCH DETAILS

Monday’s game will kick off at 15:00 at the Deva Stadium. The address for the ground is Deva Stadium, Bumpers Lane, Chester, CH1 4LT.

TICKET DETAILS

Tickets are available for the game via fanbase. Click below to secure your spot!

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE!

UNDER THE CANOPY…

Live Music

16-year-old Harry Huxley, a singer-songwriter from Chester, will be putting on a live performance outside the stadium before the match!

Born and raised in Chester, Harry is now pursuing his passion for music, writing original songs and hoping to share them with a wider audience.

Come along to support local talent and follow @harryhuxmusic on Instagram to keep up with his journey. Any donations on the day to Harry will be most welcome also!