Scarborough Athletic vs Oxford City
FA Cup
4th Round Qualifying
Saturday
14th October 2023
Flamingo Land Stadium
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the FA Cup 4th Round Qualifying fixture between Scarborough Athletic and Oxford City.
Scarborough Athletic vs Oxford City: Preview
Scarborough Athletic form analysis
The Seadogs began with a 1-1 home draw against Gloucester, equalizing through Brown after going behind. However, defensive issues surfaced in a heavy 1-3 home loss to Southport, with only Mulhern’s late strike in response to a Watson double. Scarborough did respond well by beating Brackley 2-1 at home, with goals from Durose and Maloney sealing the win despite a late Newton penalty. But problems at the back returned in a 2-4 loss away at Rushall, twice pegged back by Mulhern and Green strikes. Most recently, Scarborough suffered a fourth game without a win, losing 1-2 at home to Farsley Celtic despite Tear briefly equalizing after going behind.
Overall, it’s been an inconsistent run for Scarborough as they struggle for results. They’ve showcased some attacking threat, but conceded 11 goals already through sloppy defending. If Scarborough can cut out individual errors, they still have enough quality in attack. But improving defensively is essential after this mixed spell since the season got underway.
Oxford City form analysis
Oxford City began with a heavy 0-4 home defeat to Oldham, outclassed from start to finish and unable to get going. Their defensive struggles continued as they lost 0-4 at home again in their next match, thrashed by Gateshead this time. Oxford did stop the rot by claiming a point in a 1-2 home loss to Altrincham, with Kirby equalizing briefly. However, they suffered a third straight home loss next, beaten 0-2 by Southend after failing to create much. Last time out though, Oxford finally returned to winning ways with an emphatic 3-0 home victory over Fylde inspired by a Sanderson brace.
Overall, it’s been a difficult start to the National League campaign for Oxford as they adjust to the step up. They’ve looked extremely vulnerable defensively, conceding 14 goals already while scoring just 4. Avoiding thrashings like against Oldham and Gateshead is essential now for rebuilding confidence.
