Everything you need to know ahead of Saturday’s Sky Bet League Two fixture at the Kassam Stadium...
TEAM NEWS
Other than Jake Speight, who is a long-term absentee, boss Paul Cox has no fresh injury worries ahead of Saturday’s encounter at the Kassam Stadium.
The U’s will be boosted by the return of numerous players including striker Alfie Potter, who was a substitute in their match at Bristol Rovers last weekend.
Winger Ryan Williams is also fit again, whilst team-mate Sean Rigg could also be involved this weekend.
Veteran frontman Dave Connolly will also be vying for a first start since joining the club on loan from Portsmouth until the end of the season, having made three substitute appearances so far.
RECENT FORM
The U’s are unbeaten in four league matches under the stewardship of caretaker manager Mickey Lewis, and currently occupy third position in Sky Bet League Two.
Last Saturday, they were just six minutes away from earning all three points at Bristol Rovers, but John O’Toole’s late equaliser earned the hosts a point in a 1-1 draw. You can watch highlights by clicking here.
Oxford’s main strength this season has been their excellent defensive record.
They have shipped just 24 goals in league action – fewer than any other club at this level. Wolves and QPR are the only teams in the Football League to have conceded fewer.
Nevertheless, though Oxford’s form has been impressive, our team boast the best away record out of all the teams currently outside the Play-Off positions in Sky Bet League Two.
We are unbeaten in four away matches and were victorious on home soil last Saturday, when we beat Southend United. You can watch highlights of our 2-1 win over the Shrimpers by clicking here.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
In the reverse fixture at One Call Stadium earlier this term, the U’s recorded a 3-1 victory thanks to goals from Sean Rigg, James Constable and Ryan Williams. You can watch highlights by clicking here.
Constable’s goal in that clash was his 100th for Oxford and the frontman has been a prolific scorer in this fixture, having netted in four or the last five meetings.
On our most recent visit to the Kassam Stadium in April 2010, a late brace from the 29-year-old consigned us to a 2-0 loss – and helped the hosts reach the Football Conference Play-Offs.
Our only win at the Kassam Stadium was a 2-1 success back in December 2005. Lee Bradbury fired Oxford into a half-time lead, but Rhys Day’s second half double earned us the points.
Interestingly, in 31 previous meeting with Oxford, there has never been a 0-0 draw.
Our full record against the U’s is as follows: Played 31, Won 12, Drew 4, Lost 15.
MATCH OFFICIALS
The Football League has appointed Mr Fred Graham as referee for this match. He will be ably assisted by Mr Carl Brook and Mr Daniel Crook. The Fourth Official is Mr Edward Smart.
MATCH TICKETS
If you haven’t yet purchased tickets for this match, you can buy them on the day at the Kassam Stadium.
Tickets are priced as follows:
£21.50 - Adults
£17.50 - Students (with a valid NUS card)
£12.50 - Senior Citizens (Over 65) & Under 16s
FREE - Under 7s.
Wheelchair/Ambulant disabled supporters pay the relevant price, determined by their age/status. Carers are admitted free-of-charge.
TRAVEL DETAILS
- By Road…
The Kassam Stadium is well-signposted from all the main routes into Oxford. The stadium is located between Oxford Science Park & Blackbird Leys Estate. From the A423 Ring Road, take the A4074 towards Reading and after the roundabout with Sainsbury's on one corner, take the left turning signposted Cowley/Wallington/Oxford Science Park. You will eventually come to the stadium on your left-hand side.
- By Rail…
Oxford Rail station is over three miles from the Kassam Stadium. Supporters arriving by train should catch a Number 5 bus from outside the station (use bus stop R2) and alight on Knights Road in Blackbird Leys. Buses run at five-minute intervals on weekends. A one-way journey takes approximately 40 minutes. Alternatively, if you arrive late, there is a taxi rank in the station forecourt.
- Parking…
There is a large car park at the Kassam Stadium which is FREE for all supporters. Around 2,000 parking spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Supporters are advised to arrive early.
TWITTER
Follow us on Twitter (@MansfieldTownFC) for comprehensive pre-match coverage and minute-by-minute updates throughout the match.
COMMENTARY
If you aren’t travelling to the Kassam Stadium this weekend, you can hear full-match commentary on Stags Player (online) and Mansfield 103.2 (local radio only).
You can also hear full-match commentary in the company of other supporters in the Sandy Pate Sports Bar, which is open from midday.
Mansfield 103.2’s ‘Stags FM’ show begins at 1.00pm. To subscribe to Stags Player, click here.
