Aldershot

[clive]

The usual report should be posted later this evening.

Being a meeting of the worst defence in the league against the third worst defence it should be high scoring. Having said that it will probably be 0-0 !

[ChrisB]

0-0 . Don't think either side would be satisfied with a draw. I'll look forward to your report later.

[Rijs]

Likewise waiting with anticipation!

Aldershot were much the better team today and really should have won by a wider margin. We can only speculate about the extent to which the absence of Burley, Carroll, Moore, Kirby and McEachran affected City. Perhaps with those on board and fit, we would have drawn, but that has been the story of our season. Although Ross had called for maximum effort, it was noticeable that in the last twenty minutes, when you would have expected us to push forward as much as possible in search of an equaliser, we didn't - instead, the Shots kept us largely pinned in our own half trying to prevent a third goal. But then throughout the match, we didn't seem to have much idea how to pose a threat in the final third - there was no punch up front.

Looking at the fixture list, with only a couple of games left against teams in the lower half of the table, it would be amazing now if we were to escape what seems inevitable. But then, if Dorking can thrash Chesterfield...

[clive]

Well, that was disappointing............

I've not seen all the home games this season but apart from perhaps Maidenhead, I thought that was the worst I have seen City play this season. In his post-match interview Ross praised the effort and thought it was an even game. I agree about the effort, but like Rijs, disagree about it being even, and Aldershot should have won by more.

Aldershot seemed to have done their homework and played 3 upfront with a high press when City tried to pass out from the back. As a result, City consistent gave the ball away and could have gifted more goals than just the winner.To me they were clearly missing AWB ( or Tafari ) wide on the right although things did improve in the second half in this respect, when it seemed Birtwistle was encouraged to do more than just defend.

I though Fleet had his worst performance of the season, and Ashby struggled to get into the game. Parker was fouled just about every time the ball went near him but won only 2 or 3 free-kicks.

I think Phillips and Kabongolo are both good centre-backs defensively but don't seem to be as comfortably passing out from the back as Canice and Roberts and may not be suitable to the way City like to play. We looked much better in the second half when the ball was played forward quickly more often.

We are also desperately missing Olly upfront, or someone to take some of the burden off Josh. Smith isn't a forward and Greenslade doesn't look ready. I have no idea why Fonkeu has appeared so infrequently, does anyone have any ideas ?

Here is the detailed report for those interested

fatbearssportingdiaries.blogspot.com/2024/03/oxford-city-fc-1-2-aldershot-town-fc.html

[Rijs]

Another thorough and accurate report: thank you, Clive. Yes, I agree with your comments above; Ross was being upbeat but it sounded at times as if he had not been at the same match. Phillips and Kabongolo, plus Watson at times, kept the score down and Aldershot were rather profligate with their many chances. We created only three in the entire match. It is not like Reece and Josh A to have a poor game, but they didn't have many options to pass to. Parker was on his own against a man-mountain and a covering defender so he barely got a sniff all match. No idea why Fonkeu was not brought on and Lumeka deserved more minutes, I thought. We had nothing to lose by that stage.

[ChrisB]

Good to read a full and detailed report again: thanks Clive.

It's obviously important that Ross remains and sounds upbeat, but realistically City appear to be looking at Step Two again next season: the big question will be North or South?? It'll also be interesting to see how many of the present squad commit to OCFC next season, and in the light of that perhaps a few more of the Development squad might be getting a run-out over the next few weeks.

[clive]

To avoid going North, City probably need York and Kidderminster to also go down. It would probably also help if Banbury and Gloucester avoid relegation in NLN, and perhaps Merthyr to go up from the Southern League ?

[ChrisB]

Mar 3, 2024 12:28:54 GMT clive said:

To avoid going North, City probably need York and Kidderminster to also go down. It would probably also help if Banbury and Gloucester avoid relegation in NLN, and perhaps Merthyr to go up from the Southern League ?

So many possibilities...I guess we're just going to have to cross our fingers and hope!

[ChrisB]

I'd not looked at the other tables for some weeks, but it seems as though Oxfordshire teams are generally having poor seasons. Along with City, Banbury, Didcot, Thame, Kidlington and Wantage could all be relegated. North Leigh are in a play-off position, but then they were relegated last season. Abingdon United are mid-table in Division 1 in the HL, but no sign of Abingdon Town returning to former glories. The one bright spot might be the resurrection of Witney Town.

Where are all the local footballers, or is a vibrant non-league scene fading into history?

[clive]

North Leigh were recently told they would not be promoted due to ground grading issues ( even though they played in the higher division last season ) so nearly all their players left ( 5 ex-Thame players went to Risborough Rangers to rejoin Mark West who has just been appointed manager ). They probably won't win another game this season so it is a good job they have enough points already to avoid relegation !

[aldershot26]

Aldershot fan in Peace.

Just wondering if there was any advice on obtaining a match programme for yesterday's game, there didn't seem to be any available.

Good luck for the rest of the season.

[clive]

I think I got the last one at 14.15 ! The game before that I got the last one at 14.00, they clearly don't seem to be printing enough for the crowds they are getting.

I think the best approach would be to contact the club to see if any were left over, perhaps in the directors lounge or by the players.

[aldershot26]

Thak you for your help