We’re heading for the dreaming spires, grasping our own dream. Awkward opponents await. Which records do you prefer? City have only beaten one top eight club this season (guess who)? Admittedly they have battled for some draws (notably twice against Scunthorpe. Their home record of only 6 wins and 8 defeats s mediocre. Only clubs in the bottom four have conceded more than Oxford’s 69.
Dare I mention the slightly alarming fact they’re unbeaten in their last seven? In the last Talking Bull, I’d opined that Oxford or Needham would be going down. Needham losing 6 of the last 7 decided that question and with 50 points Oxford are now mathematically safe. The big question is how bothered are their players? Its job done for them with only a few weeks left of the season. Admittedly, merely staying up after being relegated from Step One last season isn’t that great an achievement.
Because they’re so Southern, the Hoops are not part of the regular National League North player re-shuffle. The one season here, two there routine etc. thus the whole squad are new names to us. The only familiar name is AlfIe Potter, 36 years old and with City since 2020. He’s remembered for his 2008 shot for Havant and Waterlooville v Liverpool in the FA Cup which went in off Martin Skretel. Top scorer is striker Zac McEachran with 10 goals, with 3 of those coming during their recent unbeaten run. Their other main striker Corie Andrews (9 in 30 apps) has barely played since February.
Gates here are poor, averaging 600 at the McGroup Stadium, down an alarming 36% on last season. Even Leamington have more support. With the highest gate here being 1,100 there’s room for all travelling Bulls supporters. We outnumbered the home fans during our only previous visit (Trophy game) and whilst that’s unlikely on Saturday we all know where the noise will come from. Educate the city of Learning, you might say. Buying tickets in advance saves £2. We have seats in the North East stand, the Shed End Covered terracing, and open Standing Section C & D. Up front tickets are £15 (seats) £13 terraces with discounts for seniors, students, children and blue light workers.
As City are nearly new to us, a reminder that the main car park is located outside the Community Arena. If full, you can use the car park at the entrance to the site. Once you turn off the main road into the site, it’s in front of you. Not sure about refreshments in the ground so do try the Red Lion at 42 Oxford Rd OX3 0PH, a five-minute walk from the ground and welcomes away fans. There is an outside bar and they serve Greene king Abbot and Morland Bitter.
Cross everything that Howkins has recovered and D’Ath has calmed down post Chester. He lives almost within walking distance of the ground so no stressful travelling. In fairness, we all needed to calm down after Saturday.
If you can’t be there, the Radio Hereford FC team of Keith Hall and Tom Gough will ensure you don’t miss any of the action with full match commentary.
Radio Hereford FC | Hereford FC – The Official website of Hereford FC
