ROSS Jenkins says a run of four consecutive home fixtures comes with its complications as teams look to disrupt his Oxford City side.
Following the 2-2 draw with Hemel Hempstead Town, the Hoops are back at Court Place Farm this evening when they welcome Dover Athletic.
Jenkins’ side then host Plymouth Parkway in the FA Trophy on Saturday, before returning to Vanarama National League South action against Dartford a week today.
Previewing the clash with Dover, Hoops head coach Jenkins said: “We know a few of their players, they’ve got an experienced manager.
“It’ll be an interesting battle, a tough one, they’re only a few points behind us.
“We’ve just got to be prepared for whatever Dover bring at us.
“We’ve watched a few games, they’re quite forward-thinking with pace about them.
“They’ll have know-how, experience, and I think it’ll be a really entertaining watch if you’re a neutral.”
It was a goal fest for @OfficialOUWFC who won 6-1 to make the second round of the FA Cup #oufc #ouwfc https://t.co/KgND0F5wXk
— Oxford Mail OUFC (@OxfordMailOUFC) November 14, 2022
Jenkins admitted his squad will be tested during the forthcoming run of three games in a week, and that opposition teams will target his side after establishing themselves as a team to beat in National League South.
Last season, City reached the play-offs and were defeated by Dorking Wanderers at the semi-final stage, and Jenkins believes reaching the play-offs has put a target on his team.
He said: “We’ll definitely have to use our squad but we obviously don’t want to make changes if we’re doing well.
“We have to be cute and clever in how we use people, we can’t afford injuries.
“Every club wants to come to our place and beat us.
“We’ve proved we’re a decent team with getting in the play-offs, so we’re a team that people come to and target.
“That’s credit to the players, that they want to do that to us and spoil our game plan.”
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Josh Parker scored his fifth goal in 10 league matches against Hemel Hempstead, with a fierce effort from 25 yards.
The former Oxford United striker joined City in September, but Jenkins hasn’t been taken aback by how quickly the 31-year-old has settled at Court Place Farm.
Jenkins said: “I’m surprised he hasn’t got eight or nine goals, everyone can see the qualities he’s got.”
Parker is among a group of experienced players, including Lewis Coyle, Reece Fleet and Alfie Potter, who Jenkins praised for continuing to learn and become better players.
He said: “There’s definitely room for improvement, no matter how old you are.
“Those boys have got further development in them, you can always improve.
“They’re still developing, and have been brilliant in changing and adapting.”
The Hoops are 10th in National League South, with Jenkins searching for more wins to back up consistent displays on the pitch.
He said: “If you look at the results, it’s a bit wavy at the minute with draws we should be turning into wins.
“Our performances have been very consistent and pretty good.
“We haven’t had a game where we’ve been properly beaten, Welling was a one-off, and that’s a good place to be.
“We just want a few more wins.”
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