Oxford City win promotion to the National League | Season Review 2022/23

A new

season

brought with it the same excitement, anticipation and nerves as the last, but for Oxford City what happened next will never be forgotten as the Hoops won

promotion

to the

national

league

for the first time in their history. This is the remarkable story of his

season

. As always, the team carried out a summer facelift in a way that feels like a victim of its own success, as several key players rise up the football pyramid. The young you and Clark left Championship team Bristol City, George Harmon crossed the border to join the SPF abroad. Ross County and Zico Asare have joined National League side Maidenhead, however the core of the team have signed new deals as the Hoops look to build on their success from last season by moving into the Fray Jung Centre.

Andre Burley and Tom Harrison, Claudi Lolos added some firepower up front. and Aaron Williams Michelle and Louis Michio stepped up from the football step four. All of those faces and a few more later in the season would make a huge impact over the next 10 months despite it being a season to remember the first. The match was unforgettable, a 3-1 defeat to Eastbourne Borough on the opening day, a difficult one for City to cope with, but Clary Lola's goal in the second half had the hoop and striker Off the Mark for the campaign. City didn't have to wait long. for his first win via a ThunderBolt from Josh Ashby burying those opening day Blues Away at St Albans just a week later um no yeah probably one of my best goals to be honest um well well Hold Up , uh G set, great set and I just thought. here I had one at the beginning of the first half that was a cherry goalkeeper, but, yes, fortunately, I got this goal right and, frankly, it went after that, the gold and the victories kept coming.

Teenage striker Gerald and Terry scored City's fastest goal. season after just 36 seconds in a five-nil demolition of Concord Rangers that turned out to be the biggest win of the season, a brilliant impact from the teenage forward who scored two goals on her full debut with Claudia Lolos adding another two and the fifth of Jean- Baptiste Fisher City's season was heating up and so was the August goal of the month competition after Lewis Coyle's super goal against Weymouth. This match saw City reunited with former manager David Oakfield, but inside Ross Jenkins went home happy after Clardy's penalty for the low turnover secured a third. victory on the trot City's defense was in top form two a third clean kick in four games secured after Ben Dazinski denied Keelan O'Connor from the foreign penalty spot it was almost the perfect start for City only improved by the run ebb's perfect fleet went on to finish the first month with an impressive 12 points after a two-nil win over Hampton and Richmond's penalty gave them their fifth goal in as many games, but it was Aaron Williams Michelle who He stole all the applause in this game, he won the penalty. and he scored his first goal of the season and another brilliant afternoon, four wins in a row, four clean sheets in a row and you got your first goal, that's the perfect kind of day for you, yeah man, you know it's a good thing we kept a victory. run, we had a tough bank holiday weekend, two games in three days, but the lads did what they had to do and it's always a pleasure to help the team member get off to a great start for the Hoops who, despite playing a game less than all his other opponents. finished August in the top five, keeping pace with the top Pace Setters in the National League South, a five-nil defeat at Welling saw the month get off to the worst possible start and that result was compounded by a controversial refereeing decision at Chippenham as host controversially. still three points through Jordan Young's penalty City, however, were bolstered by two newcomers with two forwards added to their ranks Josh Parker joined as a free agent and youngster Ollie Sanderson joined on loan from Fulham Sanderson began to function and scored and made his debut in a 2–1 win at Salisbury in the FA Cup Lewis Coyle added City's second in the tie to send the Hoops to the third qualifying round.

Josh Parker's City career also got off to a good start in the National League South, a City arresting a three-man . However, the Hoops ended the month on a more positive note, becoming the first team to take points on overall leaders United on Tuesday night at the Ollie Sanderson Stadium is once again available for the Hoops to cancel out the swinger's first game Bingham. I think we would obviously gain a point, you know, playing against a very good team that hasn't lost any points yet, so to take some points away from them. From an absolute point of view it's brilliant, but yes, I mean we had a very good chance at the end with Clyde to maybe score a goal and make it 2-1, but I think the general feeling is that we were very good in possession and so do they.

They were very good defensively and the game was quite open at times, but I think overall, yes, we will take the point, but I think we could have made a cut at the end to make it 2-1, but we can. Don't be disappointed, if there was success in the FA Cup the Hoops didn't win in September, however two draws at the end of the month against Bath and Ebbsley stopped the rot and kept the club in the top half of the table. with an FA Cup clash with seven leading teams, Plymouth Parkway, however, when Jack Crago opened the scoring for the visitors, it seemed a surprise was in store.

Step Up Canis Carroll rescued the replay in the 90th minute. Personal note and maybe it's not the circumstances. You wanted it, but it's a first goal of the season for you, yes, I'll accept it, although it keeps us in. It keeps us in our hearts, like you said, we'll fix it on Tuesday, fingers crossed and we'll apply ourselves appropriately, um, but yeah, on a personal level. Note that it was good for me to get a goal. I didn't really climb much, but I think I'll tell trainer and Ballard now that I'm going to fight for everything, so, a 400 mile round trip to Devon.

The replay followed on Tuesday night and it was a replay in more ways than just the name again part of the weight up front and pushed City until the final minute before Josh Parker sent the tie into extra time from there on. Goals from Claudi Lolos and a second from Josh Parker ensured City's passage to the fourth qualifying round and an away draw against Horn Church returned to the National League South and back on the road Josh Ashby gave the Hoops perfect start at Tunbridge Angels with excellent finish City also doubled their lead just before half-time Josh Parker headed Lewis Coyle's cross into the net from Point Blank Range, however City were outdone by two superb goals Ruben Jr and Jeremy Santos held City to a draw Kent there was no time to However, they rested on their laurels as the team traveled to Horn Church in the FA Cup and earned a place in the first round proper, but after Jack Muns gave the hosts the lead, the Hoops had to fight back again, however after Tom Rate was sent off for this crisp tackle on Fisher the tide turned with the resulting free kick Claudie Lola stayed home to level the Hoops just before half-time the Hoops changed style in the second half this Rhys Fleet's ThunderBolt The choice of wow goals Josh Parker made absolutely sure City would progress without the need for a replay this time, kicking in to dispatch the penalty they won to take City in third and then touching Homer in fourth in the final minute to set up an away draw and brush aside Fleetwood.

Town in this case, despite some impressive results, City were winless in six League games, so there weren't many better ways to stop that run with the latest high-flying victory. Wasn't the winning goal in Waterlooville an example of how good the team is? were progressing up the field, Reese Fleet found his midfield partner Josh Ashby through the eye of a needle so the midfielder could put the finishing touch on this glorious passing move. After four consecutive away games, the Hoops finally returned to the newly promoted stadium. The visitors this time and Andre Burley got City off to the perfect start, however the lead did not last long.

David Sims' birdie equalized from a corner a few minutes later, plus City were reduced to 10 men in this case, a rare red card for Captain Reese Fleet meant City had to play the rest of the game with 10 men ; However, in a dramatic late turn of events, the Ten Men won the game Tom Harrison knocked down inside the Joe Rochoffino Box, as cool as you want from Detect Jenkins' foreign team, we're back up and running in the National League South, however, ended the month with a two-one defeat at Farnborough, although it was a day to remember for City youngster Jaden Carbon, who scored his first senior goal for the club.

After coming through the youth ranks, that defeat at Farnborough was just a blip as the Hoops bounced back from the previous month as the table began to take shape. November was the busiest of the season, as the team had to fit eight games into its schedule in two. The relegation-fighting no-win against Hungerford Town was the perfect start to the month, although Josh Parker's Thunderbolt stole the show. Charlie Rowan added the second late in the game with his first goal of the season in the FA Cup first round. Hmm, although there was to be no giant-killing this time, the spider-spirited performance, a 3-1 defeat ended our FA Cup run, however, November 5th will be remembered by Alfie Potter, He scored City's only goal of the game just hours after returning. the team after the birth of his son City's determination was to be tested again a one nil defeat to Worthing in midweek was followed by this 2-2 draw against Hemel Hempstead Josh Parker added another tackle to the goal of the season competition that had a

city

come from behind twice to earn a point in this Aaron Williams trick Michelle quickly endeared herself to the

city

's fans, her draw earning a point this time throughout the season , the Hoops shrugged off their mini problem to bounce back in style against League.

Newcomers Dover Athletic Ross Jenkins' side took a three-nil lead before the break thanks to goals from Joe Rochoffino, Josh Ashby and Zach Mceachron, making it a virtually perfect half, the only drawback of the night. George Nikaj's consolation in the 90th minute to take City. clean sheet away from them, otherwise it would have been a perfect night, there was no rest for the wicked, a city continued to push in those November games. Plymouth Parkway enacted their revenge when they knocked City out of the FA Trophy, but again they bounced back with a final point against high-flying Dartford allowing Tom Bonner's first goal.

By this point in the season, the major

league

s had paused for the World Cup in Qatar, but there was still plenty of drama to be seen. The city ended the month in Cheshunt. Tom Harrison towered over his Marcus scored his first goal of the season in the first half to put City on their way, but when Rhys Beck Richards fired the hosts level, it would be another case of the Oxford City Late Show again, the Hoops didn't know when they were defeated. and Aaron Williams Michelle stole the three points by dying, yes, definitely, the character we got in this group would continue until the end and I think the latest results have shown that, we continued until the end.

I said it's a difficult place. to come, but the character we have shown to dig three points is great, that last victory also turned out to be huge as the team kept pace with the playoff group, the last month of

2022

seemed to come quickly and again City. Dulwich Hamlet, struggling to find a final result, visited Oxford but when Danny Mills and George Porter again turned the game on its head, The Hoot pulled a rabbit out of the hat, however an informed Tom Harrison scored in the second game consecutive. saving a point for City wasn't bad for a centre-half, freezing winter weather was quickly forgotten as fans enjoyed this season's game as City took on chipping and town at the Royal Charge Stadium, an eight-eight thriller goals that had enough Almost everything and again saw City come back to take a resort.

It was a game in which three City forwards got on the scoresheet, but none more so than Joe and Choffino, who scored the first hat-trick of their career despite going 3-1 up at Chippenham. pegged City at half the deficit, Harry Parsons, however, as previously stated, theCity Strikers were in top form and Josh Parker regained the two-goal cushion, but Chippenham refused to back down and when Luke Ross rounded Ben Dazinski to score a third, the stadium readied itself. For a dramatic last 10 minutes, however, in a game that refused to calm down, there was still time for some magic and by Magic we mean this of Claudi Lolos, the striker, making sure the points stood, but the ball of the match belonged to which starter, yes, me.

I mean he feels great. I'd be lying if I said it hasn't been a frustrating season. You know, I had a lot of injury problems and I have struggled to get my body right and that's how it has been. Mentally hard and frustrating because I know that I can help the boys a lot when I go out on the field and you know that this greatly rewards the faith that the coach and the team have in me and you know that I hope I can continue doing it. This but yeah it's a great feeling and hopefully the first of many Boxing Day brought with it the annual double header against Slough Town with this dismissal strike from mckechron, it wasn't enough on the day as the boots were beaten 3 -1 for City to finish the year. in eighth place, one point and one position outside the playoff places, but little did they know that defeat to Slough would be their last until March 2023.

The new year began with the reverse fixture against Slough and Josh Parker was the man who got the first of the club. 2023 goal from the penalty spot Alfie Potter added a second goal after the break and it looked like the team would start the new year with a win, but the football gods can be cruel and this time it was the opposition who had a late comeback, so I need the bitter. taste in the mouth The use of Shen Tube's long-range shot and Imran Kayani's header left such a small thing to start the year, although those New Year's Day Blues were soon forgotten after an impressive 2-1 victory at home against Saint Albans Lewis Coyle. sit in this one before Josh Parker doubled the lead Ryan Blackman wins for his first win of 2023 in January brought with it a new name, goalkeeper Archie Matthews added to the team after joining on loan from Swansea City, but he was unable to make nothing to stop the exclusion of Louis Fernandez heading home in Hampton's opener in City's next match, however, Matthews would have a debut to remember after his penalty kept the team in this match, that save also proved to be vital when Josh Parker scored the equalizer to rescue a point.

In difficult conditions, on another long journey, City added another three points to their tally. Alfie Potter scored the first goal before Zach Mceachron scored a rare header as Concord Ranges won 2-1. Furthermore, City finished the month unbeaten after a commanding 3.-1 win over Weymouth, however, in one of the strangest stories of the season, the visitors had to wear Towns down to the end after forgetting about the Theirs, Josh Parker, informed, opened the scoring before Canis Carroll doubled the lead. Parker to Man on Fire as his The header to make it three was his fifth goal of the month.

Hey, the one where you scored two of the goals and what was going through your mind in these two opportunities you had today? It's not much to be fair, as it is today. I told myself that I want to score a couple of goals, although I feel that I have played well the last few games and have scored or assisted, I just expect more for myself, so today I feel that I am getting closer to my usual state, it has taken a long time getting there, but I feel like I'm starting to improve and get consistent form, starting to improve, as the striker's red-hot form in January earned him the League's player of the month award. award in late January, the team certainly wasn't getting the Blues' winter case, as the Hoops had climbed into the playoff places, there was more movement in the goalkeeping department in February, the brief loan spell of Archie Matthews was cut short by injury so when Adnan Kanirich arrived on loan from Premier League side Nottingham Forest.

His first match was a difficult trip to the town of Hungerford. Yes, City fell behind in this one, but they again showed they were made of Sterner material when they recovered from an early setback to win 3-1. Josh Ashby leveling the score in excellent fashion Claudi Lolis with a header turned the score around before Lewis Coyle took advantage of a goalkeeper error to ensure the points went home with the hoops I guess I think I could have done it, I probably should have having saved it Before, to be fair, Josh blamed me. He was waiting for the ball to settle on a shot like this, it's hard for the ball to settle and luckily the goalkeeper came off his shin and I don't know an open goal to touch it.

So three victories in the truck is no small feat. What is the atmosphere in the locker room? You must be very excited. It's always good every time you win. Enters. Put the tune in everyone's buzz. Um and the feeling in the moment that we keep doing it. That long night continues because the vibe is good, everyone is happy, and we seem to be clicking and moving up the table, so keep adding wins and we'll see where it takes us. True to Coyley's word, the Hoops continued to rack up wins. Welling the next victim of a complete lack of reported hoops Clarity LOL lost the set City are on track with the first goal Welling goalkeeper Miles Roberts won't want to see that again, but if the first goal was a bit fortuitous, there was no luck in the second goal, it's that mckatron. in the middle of the straight to double the advantage.

City tune up and sail in this one, but when Welling were awarded a penalty in the second half, there was a danger they could get back into the game, however, not without a man, you can knock the door, a super save from the The Bosnian under-23 inter

national

, who prepared very well for Josh Parker to complete the afternoon with a now customary goal to secure a three-nil victory in the stage of the month. City had won their last four games and had scored three goals in their last three. surely they couldn't continue like this against the playoff chase Worthing surged forward looking for Carol Carol headed across goal Lewis Mitchell scored Louis Michio opened the scoring for Oxford City with a brilliant shot from left-back and City took the lead in this playoff game with a huge Huge goal in the playoff race is from the most unlikely scorer, his first goal of the season Lewis from the winger, but Parker does well.

Oxford City penalty and a great opportunity for City to double their lead with an arm on the striker's back. Josh Parker, the referee, was very confident, so Parker against the post is a great moment in this match. Josh Parker gives City a two-nil lead in this playoff clash and there is light between the two sides now that he can't stop scoring at the moment. Deep into the half, Coyle just misses the header but gets the kickback clearance if he wants it and again City are able to counter this time through mcketran. He takes it a little slower as there are more players behind low loss Beats beats the man brilliantly he has Parker to his left he has no other real options he turns back on himself mcekram has Ashby on his right city of dunwell to create a chance here mccandry three for Oxford City and that has to be for the hoops brilliant move by City another three points and another new name on the scoresheet for defender Louis Michio yes, I was very happy to score, I think I am, I think I was the only one in the team that didn't have a goal this season, so I finally took that weight off my shoulders. so I was pretty happy um yeah, it was just a well worked goal uh canis on the back post just directed it back and on the half volley I just wanted to make good contact with it, put it towards the goal and you know, I just found the bottom corner, so yeah, I mean, you know, as part of the back three, that's our main priority, keeping a clean sheet, don't give it that, it's a bit of pride for us back three, so I think so.

The world of good now has two clean sheets in a row, so we hope to be able to continue that until Tuesday. The long drive to Taunton town on Tuesday night saw the winning streak end but the unbeaten run continues again, although I think that is perhaps a bit unfortunate. This Alfie Potter gave City the lead on the stroke of half-time before both teams were reduced to 10 men. Josh Parker received a second yellow card for this Taunton who denied City all three points and took revenge for the first leg with a last minute goal. Theirs finally, in a month full of drama, perhaps it was quite appropriate that City stretched out there and won and ran for two months with a largely forgettable but impressive goalless draw at Dartford, another month to remember and another month undefeated, the team lost points. just four times since the turn of the year and from home and despite playing more games than other Playoff contenders, it was a run that took the Hoops into the top three.

However, all good things must come to an end and the 10-game unbeaten run that ended when the Hoops were beaten by Farnborough is that Mckechron's strike was not enough on this occasion on a rare day when City came up short, although two more faces joined the team: Will Dawes, who signed from Yeovil Town, and Joe Wilson, who joined. From Ilkston Doors, he scored his first goal for the club in a close game against playoff rivals Braintree Town on Tuesday night, 1-1 run, brilliant ball off Williams. Michelle Parker did well to put it on target and scored her first goal for Oxford City. 1-1 Aaron Blair put the visitors ahead in the second half in what looked like a smash and took over for Victory, however you know the script, the Hoops didn't know when they were beaten, it's a Potter on the left. ball to Ashby again into the middle for mceachron Oxford City have saved a goal here, a great point in hindsight and that was followed by a three nil win at Hamill Hempstead again.

Will Dawes play a key role in finding Josh Parker to break the deadlock? a convincing win on this occasion and after Josh Ashby scored the second there was no doubt the points would return to Oxford; Plus, there was still time for Parker to score a brace and the striker to score a second in added time to cap a wonderful afternoon. Back-to-back winds were secured again just a week later. Parker's second-minute goal, this time beating a Cheshunt team in the last game of March, couldn't be tougher. A trip to a Dulwich Hamlet team fighting for their lives in front of a 3,000 capacity crowd, but City found a way, oh for the sake of the lead, substitute Ollie Sanderson slotted the ball into the penalty area and he started saying "fuck", the ball turned his man nicely and he's drilling it into the bottom corner and again it's done. is happening near Oxford City, there is talk of doing and there is a George Porter coming forward, Ed steps up for the big striker, he rises higher and takes a header, so just put it in the corner of the net and of course suddenly, double forward.

It's not far from danger for City because they keep trying to keep the ball away from the goal, something we've talked about in this game. Michelle moves away from Porter and won two with doors. He finds his way to Lola, who releases Williams Michelle in a race down the right wing Lola turns inside the area that equalizes the Albanian striker has City back in this game out of nowhere turns inside the area back to the goal he has space to turn and shoot and beat goalkeeper Aaron Jones They could do nothing at the end of March, the Hoops were third on merit two, remaining in those coveted top three places after the teams caught up with their remaining games in the league, There was still a month left to play and the Hoops had another.

The tricky run of fixtures ahead, the month got off to a perfect start, a four-nil win over the Tunbridge Angels, picking up another three points on a day that saw Clardy Lolos score her first senior Patrick, brilliantly heading Captain Freddie , passing the ball to Claudie Lola, it's like That's how easy it is for Clardy lolos it's the second of the game it's the third low turnover here it beats it by miles continues Claudia lolos brilliant footwork and cardi the low turnover comes so close oh, it's giving a penalty falls in the box the referee blows his whistle low loss against Henley goals it's a hat-trick for Clardy lolos hat-trick how you feel no obviously it's a great feeling um as a striker uh this does your job so um for me being able to do a job for me for the team is great Feeling, but I also have a I have to say that without the team and without um, we would be a team, that wouldn't have happened so I'm proud of the guys and it was a great performance today , so yes.

The busy bank holiday weekend meant City had to squeeze two games into the schedule and two big ones on Good Friday. Ebb Fleet were too good on the day as a hat-trick from Dominic Polian secured the hosts the league title; however, itYou could argue that the most important game was Next, as third place Hoops faced fourth place Chelmsford in a game that would have a big influence on the top three tennis. Carl complains that it's turned off as he goes down and we'll see Chelmsford, so through Nikki against Kanye Rich and on the wrong way and Chelmsford take an early lead at the Royal Charge Stadium Ashby again wants to run and gets one with Michio Michio that has to be a foul the referee awards a penalty Oxford City a second penalty in this game 27 minutes later Michio fouled right on the edge the referee considered he was on the line, they gave him a penalty, there is no doubt about the foul.

The Chelmsford defenders simply do not protest their innocence, believing it was a free kick rather than a penalty, but the referee was very assertive in pointing out the spot. So it's Josh Ashby who hasn't received a penalty for City in a while. Beach will face Ashby against Beach. He steps up, sends it the wrong way and we are level again on the big Stadium penalty as Ashby charges raw and once again in the game. The city level plays around the corner looking for Trotter, it's too much, what a girlfriend, etc., out of nowhere. City have taken the lead at the raw charge stadium and somehow Sat Mckekarin's brilliant play simply controls the ball. very well and puts it in the corner of the net before the goalkeeper can establish and City are ahead in this game because eventually or for the ball Libby pounces on Potter into the path of Mceachron great ball from Ketron to Ashby ball brilliant from Ashby now Sanderson is here if he can play his cards right Sandy, it's three for Oxford City and out of nowhere they have scored again a brilliant goal from Sanderson behind the back line and despite the pressure from Chelmsford he keeps calms down and beats Eddie Beach Oxford City three.

Chelmsford had a big win over the Clarets, but the Hoops had to be at their best with three games remaining before the next longest trip of the season to Dover Athletic, where they were exactly that again, although the goalkeeping department suffered an injury. Adnan Kanye Rich's season halted prematurely Chris Hague has joined on an emergency loan deal from Absolute United to fill the vacant role. Dover's early lead was soon canceled out by the dominant Hoops Latrell at home because he is somehow scoring his first goal for the club. then it was all pretty straightforward, Ollie Sanderson putting City ahead before a quickly taken corner just after half-time helped Zach mckechron in the Third thanks for the final 10 minutes of the game Claudia lolos came off the bench and made an instant impact scoring first in open play Then adding a second from the penalty spot to first score his 20th goal of the season, your first competitive goal for Oxford City, just tell us about that to be fair, you're always with me about it, like I shoot a lot in the training and the boys always tell me to do it.

I shoot in games and today I feel like everything lined up really well for me and I hit the volley and frankly it went in, yeah, we're all very close together right now, we're happy, you know, winning games together and you know, afterwards. that we are playing the music and everyone is interacting with each other so there is a very good vibe in the locker room right now and we will carry that into the next game, there are two games left in the National League South but there were still some twists and turns and The last game of the season at City's home against custom and Waterlooville ended in a 1-1 draw after Alfie Potter's opener was ruled out by stunner Mo Farles and set up a harrowing final day of the regular season.

Everything had fallen apart. On top of this, in the race for the top three and the coveted run into the semi-finals of the playoffs, the Hoops had their destiny in their own hands and nothing else would matter, however, anything short of a win would see a Chelmsford result. against Taunton. they take third place and the bite in the semi final with a thrilling finish, the fans were expecting a five o'clock celebration but once again Bath City ruined the party, everything was going great but the Hoops were made to rule. Josh Parker's missed chances had given City the lead, but after the interval Opie Edwards and Scott Wilson put Bath ahead.

City could not find a way back into the game, but after a long wait, miraculously, a win for Taunton Town at Chelmsford secured City's victory. third place and highest in their 141 year history, yeah obviously I'm very proud of the guys, they've worked really hard, we've got some guys from last season here, we've got some new guys that have come in. I think the identity in training and everything has really come together. I think the boys have adopted the style of play in the way we want to play like Oxford City. I think it's fun for the fans, it's definitely fun for me.

Seeing the staff and hopefully the fans as well and, um, yeah, it's a really big achievement and something that I think will be reflected maybe in a few months, but right now it's still pretty raw and we still have a job. to do. I know it's a cliché, but the table doesn't lie when they're on Merit. I think we've worked tremendously hard as a group of players as a club, trying to progress and move forward, and I think that shows. and obviously making the playoffs two years in a row is a huge accomplishment and we're on the attack in the playoffs and we'll see what happens, take it game by game and see what happens, the regular season is done and dusted, then 46 goal games, Blood Sweat drama . and Tears over, but there was still more to come for the Hoops in the playoffs, their price for finishing third in a home semi-final against Worthing should first pass Parker but cut Wellness with James Beresford again Beresford leaves the ball on the left - The right side and push towards the idiot can be a slightly misplaced pass into the box and that allows City to clear their lines and Josh Parker has the chance to pass the ball through a clean Alfie Potter and The Alphabet Goal surrounds goalkeeper Alfie Potter with a chance, oh he's the lord, he controls the ball, that was a glorious chance for Potter in their attack, now they're really starting to enjoy the ball and enjoy possession of the ball and mess with their dangerous players. with the ball as much as possible, okay, and it's uh with City again McCarron McCarron and Zach mceachron have taken the lead against Oxford City, the first goal of the game out of nowhere, really on the edge of the penalty area and Zach McCarron the ball has been conceded. to the bottom left corner and it's Oxford City one Worthing now right on cue McLachlan has been taking this coffin of ballast from the game there he's really starting to assert himself strongly he's collecting the ball he's engaging players he's taking chances when he can, but he's out for a City shot they will come again Michio flees if City could score a goal in these last two minutes what difference could it make at half time the team talks of both coaches Carol Hague will choose to move on not taking No Chances, she was not doing that at the start of the game, but meanwhile brilliantly brought down by Parker, he simply takes the high ball, chests it down and now plays another brilliant ball towards Mceachron on the edge of the area.

Looking for space to shoot involves continuous slightly wide movements, so he will cross it towards the back post and that means City have a two goal lead. Alfie Potter arrives at City I was almost taken by surprise by a brilliant fall. Aaron Williams Michelle heads him back into the six-yard box and Worthing doesn't know if Dartford five four on penalties after an old man's draw in Kent, but now it's with City again on the right side with Burley Burley, he has Alfie Polo to his right, he's got Zach mckechron to his left, he lifts the ball to mckekram and it's been cleared and he's back to Worthing again and, uh, Pierce goes down under a challenge, but the referee says keep playing while he gives. a lead and a spray, Crossfield's pass there for ibia Camby and he can get to the penalty area, he passed to Josh Ashby but his shot was uh, the referee keeps looking at his watch, he hit forward from Hague looking for a choppino and that's . that city of Oxford is the finalist for the 2023 National League South playoffs.

My condolences to Worthing and the fans of him, but that was a masterclass and how you and how you work, play and watch a playoff semi-final professionally. Absolutely Eddie and the group recover, prepare yourselves mentally physically. for what's going to come because it's what's next it's the most important City game I've had for a long time the opportunity to get to the National League premiere here the next listen is a hot day today and last year we had something similar in Dawkin was on fire so we knew it was going to be a tough game, you know, the atmosphere and the occasion is obviously big for the football club, the players and the staff, but I thought we were pretty good today, I thought you already know. we took care of the performance and then the performance took care of the scoreboard um, so it's important that we take the positive um, there's a lot of things there, there's some things that we need to work on, but in terms of where we've come as a club, um, yeah, It's a great achievement, the players should be proud, we have to rest now because we have another great game ahead of us, so yes, we are going to enjoy it, but at the same time we have to keep our feet in the air. the ground and um ready to make a big change next week Saint Albans in the final fair play for them, they haven't, they've had a Playoff, they've turned it around quickly and beat Dartford, they're going to be really tough.

Well I don't need to tell you do it, it will be a great occasion, but it will be an even better game of football, yes, again, another difficult team. Anyone in the playoffs is going to be tough and I'm not. I know they got their result until the final whistle of ours and, yes, they probably have a home game, but we know it's going to be a tough challenge, we have to respect where they are for a reason, and then. we just move forward, we have to keep moving forward and if we do that we will keep the momentum and hopefully we can do that, so yeah, very happy today, good performance, a good clean sheet win and we keep going with the win over Worthing. made a date with Destiny, a National League South

promotion

final at home against Saint Albans, but what came next will live long in the memory of all Oxford City fans, so last year, subsequent games in all competitions, everything depends on the result of a last match against the city. in arguably the biggest game in its 140-year history with hopes of reaching the national league for the first time, so Auburn's hopes of booking what would be only its second campaign at that level and its first generation playoffs internal and promotion finals have given us tremendous drama. throughout BT Sport over the years and I am sure that this National League South final, the first of the live televised ones that have the same excitement, made it to the promotion final and has every chance today here, meanwhile, the theoretical favorites, but if the playoffs show anything it's It contains nothing for Grant, it's a slight delay in proceedings here, it's just to get us going.

Ross Jenkins likes his team to start on the front foot and try to get the first few Blacks to stay down and it's an early opportunity here for Saint Albans City to have a great day. The first time and then from above we almost scored a goal in the first moments. Excellent save by Chris Hague and it had to be yes. I think it's Andrew Burley just playing him on the flank, who passes but can't get the ball out. feet, it's a good block at the end and Jay Cooper's follow-up should score just a small warning for Oxford City that Saint Albans is a very, very dangerous opportunity for mckatron's opponent Lewis Coyle in support if he needs to fix that Reese Fleet instead of an expert ball carrier there is Potter looking to turn, there is Flings standing next to the captain watching his way out for Ross Jenkins, Oxford City very involved and Reese Fleet hid it very well, yes we talked about Oxford making a fast start how perfect this one is and it's a lovely little ball to McEachern and he just sees the run out of the corner of Fleet's eye.

It's a lovely way to pass him off so he can't come to this and it's the first time he's just clicked. goes to that bottom corner Dylan Berry has absolutely no chance of starting since the home team is huge, so it opens up that they are the quick starters, very few teams have scored more early goals than them this season, but they have been given a dose of their own medicine here at Marsh Lane super hit from Ruth Fleet after some wonderful flowing football from Oxford City and now it will be a real test of course in Albans the pass, the pressure coming from the home team, a torture, a brilliant flight, that's crazy, Dylan, very attentive.

It would have been a girl's pitch from star mcket playerWonderful things out there and said Auburn is fortunate in some ways not to get shut out by their goaltender. He said Auburn's Dylan Berry opens his hometown. Oh, he's lost it. For McEachron, that's agony for the Dylan Berry fan who made a wonderful save a moment or two before Zach McEachron. McEachern could miss when he was presented with another opportunity moments later. He is a hell of an Oxford City goalkeeper Barry, although he enjoys and savors every moment. Parker pressurized him and the last person he wanted to fall to is that man, Zach Mceachron, he also made an exceptional save right before this.

No, he just gets caught on the ball, it's a little drop on the shoulder and a little hit from Zach. He said that he was a more likely Mcckett to win the match than we expected. This would be the city of Oxford with a two-goal lead on the scoreboard within the first quarter of an hour. What a great test this is now, of course, in Auburn City. Ashby is that mckett. surrounded by yellow shirts could return to Ashby are making very light work of the biggest game in their club's history Josh Ashby with the late goal and Kevin seemingly an unassailable lead in just over half an hour Brilliant football once again from Watson City rolls is just a weighted pass again, not far from the first goal we saw so elusive, it's a little movement of the right foot there and what a calm compost finish Ashby's is again, little Tootsie Roll raises his body, just fold it like this. time, no chance for Dylan Ferry Hill, hard work to get back from here now, oh, scored the girl who won the game when Oxford City said once Auburn returned in August, the goal you never know might as well have secured the promotion to the National League.

I know what this club is about and if they are all there when they are on the pitch here is Parker looking for a fourth Maybe Josh Parker completes the first half of Oxford City's dreams Anderson Auburn's nightmares down to zero on the scoreboard before the break in the National League South promotion final overseas once again for the Saints, there was nothing they could do here, it's a great place where Humphrey does very well and we talk, you're talking about the experience there, at Francis Clark, It is simply done there for the experience. from Parker it's just a little cut on the inside and then he has the composure to just put this one in the bomb field.

Yes, he does and it's a wonderful ending by Josh Parker. I'm about to say the only thing he's done in this first half is score the goal and he got the goal from him. Now it's a brilliant ending. The first half ended when it began. Malformation of the goal at Oxford City. Filling his boots. I'm going to take a chance now. Kevin, he's going into overtime. I would be very surprised if it was, you know, very one-sided, it could have been different. St Albans took the lead in that first half and their team's mentality, even though Oxford City, they just seemed composed and we got lost a few times.

They just believed a lot in themselves and managed a game very well in certain conditions. It was a really good performance from the Albans, but we didn't expect there to be so much between the two teams at half-time, four goals beating Dylan Berry, one Of those of his own creation, Oxford City has escaped, so until now, it is difficult to know where Sir Auburn City can go from here. It was played out of the park in the first half of this National League South promotion final. Josh Parker's fourth goal in stoppage time at the end of the half, making the score very lopsided.

Oxford City four Saint Albans nil at half-time is a city. I'm sure they'll want to finish with perfection and end with a clean sheet. What an amazing job Ross Jenkins is doing here. 32 years old forced to train and an injury brought a premature start to his playing career he took over in January

2022

the playoff semi-finals last year Mastermind made their first promotion to the National League a year later Oxford City made it the winners of the promotion final of the National League South will play fifth level football for the first time in its 140-year history. In August, it was a final that ended at halftime.

Auburn was just never there for David Noble and the Saints, and they were second best here today. Oxford City deserve all the plaudits, they played wonderful football in the first half, so much so that they didn't really need to do much in the second half. Kevin, yes, complete show performance, two teams for them on the first afternoon, with devastating form in the way they took those goals and took the game to St Albans they were ruthless in the second half it was about composure, discipline, seeing the game, sticking to the game plan and they did it perfectly. no complaints from Saint Albans about the result.

They have had a great season. Let's see their fans stand back to give them the applause they deserve, but Oxford City absolutely deserve it and welcome to Ross Jenkins. half time, four winners to nil at full time, it was the perfect performance on the biggest stage as these players just pass us by, yeah listen this is what it is, it feels good right now, I think it It will feel good for a while. uh the guys are obviously in good spirits and they should be because it's been a really good season, uh, great season, there's been some big performances there, um standout performances, but I think as a collective and as a team, um, I think that That's what really shined.

This year we are all united, we have some new guys from the preseason and they have all adapted very well to the system, to the form and to the fundamentals to advance in the City and they are the basic concepts that we must design and I did it and today I thought it was a performance we can be proud of, it was professional, so we enjoy a moment and we look, we look for whatever is in front of us, so we enjoy the moment today, that moment, right in the in the fifth here this is Oxford City you know we're going to play Oldham Athletico we've played in the Premier League all these other teams next season today was perfect wasn't it from start to finish?

Yes, I mean. I can't criticize anything other than we could have scored another goal to get to five and I think we have been very critical of the players all year. Today is their moment, I think four to nil in the final at home in front of 3000+ fans feels good, I want it to feel good and that's how it should be, because the boys rode a Big Raft all season, and we just said That we take care of the performance, consistency is always there and we will obtain the result. Today we did well, what a season, promotion to the national league for the first time in the club's history in a record year, the best third place in history in step two, with the team reaching an impressive 78 points and 90 goals scored in all national championships. league competitions hoops scored in every home game they played in a remarkable statistic the next challenge the fifth tier of english football where more memories will be made the journey to get there is never easy but Against All Odds Oxford City are rising, let's go