The Hoops travel to Merseyside to face Marine AFC in the National League North on Saturday, October 24, with kick-off at 3pm.

Both teams progressed in the Emirates FA Cup last time out.

Oxford City secured their place in the first round thanks to a decisive goal from Scott Pollock, while Marine recorded a 2-0 win away at Hartlepool.

The sides last met at Marine’s Rossett Park in a goalless draw, and have shared points on each of their recent meetings in Merseyside.

Both teams are in strong form, with their last defeats coming on September 8.

Marine have won their last seven matches in all competitions, keeping clean sheets in their last three outings.

Their turnaround began with a win over Darlington on September 12, after a slow start that saw just two victories from their first eight fixtures.

Despite their cup success, Marine’s league form has been mixed.

They currently sit 16th in the table with five wins and six losses, though they have now won three league games in a row.

Oxford City have lost just twice all season and are particularly strong on the road.

If the league table was based on away results alone, the Hoops would be five points clear at the top.

Defensively, City have impressed with eight clean sheets in 14 matches, thanks in part to the efforts of goalkeeper Jonny Maxted and his back line.

Only Hereford Town, who are second in the league, have conceded fewer goals (six) than City’s seven.

Marine’s recent form under manager Bobby Grant has been impressive.

Mr Grant was appointed in May 2025 after a career that included spells at Shrewsbury, Wrexham, Blackpool, and Fleetwood.

He played a key role in Marine’s promotion to tier six in the 2023/24 season and helped secure their league status after returning from injury the following year.

He previously served as player-manager at Radcliffe FC and led Marine to the semi-finals of the Isuzu FA Trophy and a 12th-place league finish last season.

He signed a new two-year deal with the club in April 2026.

One to watch for Marine is Cole Simms, a young striker on loan from Wigan Athletic.

Simms is currently the top scorer in the Professional Development League with 10 goals in eight games and played 73 minutes in Marine’s FA Cup win over Hartlepool.

Oxford City will provide live updates via their social media channels, including their new WhatsApp service, for fans unable to make the trip.