National League North side Oxford City host National League side Woking in a crunch FA Trophy clash. We have our preview and score predictions below.
Optimism was high with Oxford City when they were promoted to the National League for the first time in history for the 2023/2024 season after a stellar playoff campaign in the National League South. However, the season didn't go to plan with the Hoops relegated, finishing 20 points off safety.
Due to the geographical split in step two, Oxford City were unfortunately placed in the National League North, meaning they were forced to make longer journeys for away games. Bishop Stortford had the same issue and were relegated with 21 points last season.
The Hoops are embroiled in a relegation battle, sat just three points clear of the relegation zone after failing to win any of their last six, scoring just three goals in the process. Despite the perceived away-day woes, Oxford City have only taken three fewer points on their travels than they have at home.
National League side Woking are the visitors to Marsh Lane, making it the second Step One team to visit in the FA Trophy. Ross Jenkins' side stunned National League promotion hopefuls Forest Green 1-0, after beating Step Four sides Hadley (2-1) and Sporting Khalsa (5-0) in previous rounds. This is only the second time The Hoops have ever been in the quarter-finals of this competition, so will be looking to reach the semi-finals for the first time in history.
With three triumphs in this competition, no team has ever won the FA Trophy more times than Woking, who lifted the trophy in 1994, 1995 and 1997. The Cardinals, like Saturday's opponents, are in a relegation battle but just one loss in 11 has seen them move six points clear of the bottom four.
Under Neal Ardley, Woking have been in good form and will fancy their chances of winning a fourth FA Trophy. So far in the competition, they have defeated Havant & Waterlooville (Step 3) on penalties, Radcliffe 4-0 (Step 2) and Gainsborough 0-3 (Step 3).
The bookies rate the visitor's chances, pricing them as 2.15 favourites to win the tie.
Score Prediction: Oxford City 0-1 Woking
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