Blues Match Preview: Oxford City v Chester FC

Chester FC's penultimate Enterprise National League North outing of the campaign will take place at the MGroup Stadium tomorrow afternoon.

The hosts, Oxford City, travelled to the Deva Stadium back in August, when Scott Burgess and Nathan Woodthorpe both netted their first goals for the Blues during a 2-1 home success.

The Opposition

A fine recent run of form has seen the Hoops drag themselves towards sixth tier safety for the second successive season.

The club are unbeaten in their last eight, a streak that has included five wins for Ross Jenkins’ side.

A huge step towards survival was made in midweek against relegation rivals Hereford, as a 2-1 victory for the visitors at Edgar Street created an eight point buffer between the two clubs.

The Gaffer

Ross Jenkins looks set to meet the survival target at the MGroup Stadium for the second campaign on the bounce during his second stint with the Hoops.

The 35-year-old rejoined the club in September 2024 following a brief spell with Boreham Wood, after previously leading Oxford City to promotion to the National League in 2023.

Jenkins’ playing career started at Watford before spells in various countries, including Romania, Bulgaria, Norway, and Scotland.

One to Watch

Former Seal Matty Taylor secured a move to the Hoops from Salisbury in February the boost the club’s survival chances.

The experienced striker made a huge impact in midweek by scoring the equaliser during the aforementioned 2-1 win at Edgar Street, following a first goal at the MGroup Stadium in early April during a victory against Peterborough Sports.

Taylor made a major impact at the Deva Stadium despite the fact his loan was cut short by parent club Forest Green Rovers, as the forward netted on six occasions in just seven Chester appearances during the 2013/14 campaign.

The 36-year-old’s most notable stints arrived with Bristol Rovers, Bristol City, and Oxford United.

League Form Guide

Oxford City | W14 D11 L19 | F58 A64 | Pos: 17th

Last three

• Peterborough Sports (H) | W 2-0 | Scorers: Taylor, Clark
• Alfreton Town (A) | D 1-1 | Scorers: Clark
• Hereford (A) | W 2-1 | Scorers: Taylor, Carroll

Chester FC | W19 D12 L13 | F64 A63 | Pos: 7th 

Last three

• AFC Telford United (H) | W 2-1 | Scorers: Mottley-Henry, Croker
• Macclesfield (A) | W 2-0 | Scorers: Mottley-Henry, Bainbridge
• AFC Fylde (H) | W 1-0 | Scorers: T. Davies

Match Details

Kick-off at the MGroup Stadium will be at 15:00.

The postcode for the ground is OX3 0NQ.