Words: James Ede, Image: David Airey
CHORLEY are back on the road this weekend after three straight home games with a trip down south to struggling Oxford City.
The Magpies have picked up seven points in their past four games, boosting their hopes of a late fightback into the Enterprise National League North play-offs.
On the other hand, the Hoops sit just one point outside the relegation zone, having played four more games than 21st-placed Hereford.
Last Time Out
Three days after a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Buxton at the Grant Store Victory Park Stadium, the Magpies welcomed Adam Murray’s Kidderminster Harriers to Lancashire, who were looking to move up to third in the table.
An early volleyed effort from Max Wilson tested the visitors’ ‘keeper Christian Dibble early as Andy Preece’s side started the stronger.
And the hosts took the lead in the 17th minute through the unlikely goalscorer of Sam Bird, his first of the season.
The defender played a good interchange with Adam Blakeman to find himself in space just inside the penalty box and his strike was deflected past Dibble to open the scoring.
Mark Ellis had a left-footed chance to make it two after Harvey Smith’s pass but was unable to force Dibble into a difficult save.
Early in the second half, Wilson raced away through on goal and chipped the ball over the Harriers’ keeper but could only watch as it trickled into the post and away to safety.
Warren Clarke was then played in behind the defence by Blakeman but his shot across goal went wide.
Blakeman again was involved in a close chance for the Magpies when his corner found Ellis free at the back post, but he could not direct it past Dibble.
Despite looking comfortable for most of the game, the hosts conceded with six minutes remaining as substitute Jack Clarke converted after Jack Moore’s initial headed clearance.
However, Chorley were not down for long as, in the 88th minute, Smith headed home to seal the three points.
Bird’s long throw caused problems for Dibble, whose attempted punch could only find Smith free at the back post and the number five made no mistake, heading into the open net in the dying minutes of the game.
They held on for the final few moments to bounce back from the weekend’s defeat and move to 11 points off the top seven.
Opposition Focus
This Saturday’s hosts Oxford City come into this fixture off the back of a big 3-1 win at Southport last weekend.
Ross Jenkins’ side were led by DJ Campton-Sturridge’s brace, which came either side of half-time, before Callum McFarlane’s late third sealed the victory.
With 39 points from 38 games, the Hoops are again in a relegation fight after finishing 19th last season in their first year since suffering being sent down from Step 1.
Sturridge’s eight goals have led the team this season, with midfielder Tom Scott behind him on six.
Their recent transfers include experienced strike duo Matty Taylor and Ashley Hemmings.
35-year-old Taylor joined last month from National League South outfit Salisbury, after spells in the EFL with the likes of Bristol City, Bristol Rovers and Oxford United.
Hemmings signed from Dagenham & Redbridge, who he moved to in the summer after scoring almost 100 goals in six years with Kidderminster.
Jenkins returned as the club’s manager in September 2024 after an unsuccessful spell at Boreham Wood, which had come after young boss led the Hoops to promotion from the NLS to the National League in 2023, before immediate relegation.
He follows in the footsteps of a famous managerial duo of Bobby Moore and his assistant Harry Redknapp, who took charge of the club at the start of the 1980s.
Head-to-Head
The sides’ previous meeting resulted in an entertaining 3-3 at Victory Park in October as the Magpies came back from 3-1 down to draw.
First-half goals from Darnell Johnson and Scott gave the Hoops a 2-0 lead at half-time.
Harry Ibbitson pulled one back before Scott scored again, but Craig Hewitt’s penalty and Adam Henley’s 90th-minute goal rescued the hosts.
Both fixtures between the teams last season ended in draws – 2-2 at the MGroup Stadium and 0-0 at Victory Park.
A second-half fightback with goals from Mike Calveley and Craig Hewitt rescued Andy Preece’s side in the away game after being 2-0 down at the break.
Match Details
Oxford City v Chorley
Enterprise National League North
Saturday, March 21
3pm kick-off
The MGroup Stadium, Oxford, OX3 0NQ
