The new year has already witnessed a team from Oxford conjure an impressive Cup upset and Justin Merritt is determined to mastermind another.
Last weekend, League Two Oxford United dumped Premier League Swansea City out of the Emirates FA Cup as Kemar Roofe struck twice in a man-of-the-match display.
Now it is the turn of National League South side Oxford City to target a giantkilling of their own, as they prepare to take on Cheltenham Town in The FA Trophy second round.
Oxford City v Cheltenham Town
The FA Trophy
Second Round
3pm, Saturday 16 September
Court Place Farm Stadium, Oxford City FC
Winning club will receive £6,000
Manager Merritt knows the task is a tough one – the Robins lie top of the National League and have not tasted defeat in the league since September.
But the former Watford defender believes his charges can learn a thing or two from the exploits of their city neighbours.
“That was a terrific performance and it showed the work rate and ethic of that team,” said Merritt, enjoying his second spell in charge of City.
“It showed what can be achieved if you go about your business correctly. That’s what you need to do.
“Cheltenham are gearing up to try and get themselves back into the Football League and we go into the game under no pressure whatsoever.
“They are a very good side with a lot of good players but we feel we have got players who can cause them problems.”
There is no reason to suggest it is beyond them, either. In last year’s FA Trophy, City troubled Woking, while they have already knocked National League South high-flyers Ebbsfleet United out of this season’s competition.
And while some may have preferred a more straightforward draw, Merritt was pleased to see Oxford pitted against the all-conquering Robins.
The FA Trophy Final will be held at Wembley on Sunday 22 May
“In the last round we beat Ebbsfleet, who are top of our league, and we went into that as underdogs and came out with a really positive result,” he continued.
“My preference with the draw was always going to be a National League team, to test ourselves, and to get the team at the top is an added bonus.
“With the cup competitions, you just want to get into the hat for the next round. Last year we took Woking to a replay and they were in the top six of the National League.
“The last time we played at Cheltenham’s ground was last season in the National League North against Gloucester and we won 6-0, so I wouldn’t mind getting a draw and going back there!”
The added incentive for Merritt is the opportunity to go head-to-head with a vastly experienced manager in Gary Johnson.
The two are no strangers, with Merritt having already loaned Jamal Lawrence and Amari Sterling-James from Cheltenham this season, and the manager is keen to try and get one over his opposite number.
“I have had a lot of conversations with Gary this season because we have had two players on loan from them,” he added. “We have had a lot of discussions along the way and he is doing a terrific job.
“It is not just a tactical battle, the resources that we have got are very different, but we are relishing the opportunity.”
