Oldham Athletic vs York City: National League Preview, Gameweek 29, 2023
After 24 games in the Vanarama National League season, both Scunthorpe and Oldham, the two clubs who were relegated from the second division last season, face the challenge of avoiding relegation again.
While the Irons sit at the bottom of the division, Oldham is doing slightly better, finishing 20th and two points clear of the last four, thanks only to a slight turnaround in form in the new year.
A draw against Notts County and a 5-1 win over Dorking took David Unsworth’s Latics out of the relegation zone, but they still have work to do to move up the table.
Not only do the ex-Premier League side have three points at stake, but also the possibility of two league wins on the go, something they have yet to do in the 2022/23 season.
One club who will know all about a double relegation is York City, who suffered back-to-back relegations to the National League North six years ago, the only side to ever pull off that unwanted feat.
The Minstermen travel across the Pennines on Tuesday night to take on Oldham where they will look to maintain their unbeaten streak from 2023.
Recent victories over Maidstone and Chelmsford, the latter in the Isuzu FA Trophy, give David Webb’s side good impetus to make a move towards the playoffs, from which they sit six points away in 14th place.
Oldham Athletic
The hosts are expected to appoint a new signing in Mark Shelton within Matchday 11 of his arrival from Hartlepool on Friday.
Youngster Harry Vaughan has been recalled from his loan at Radcliffe, so he could also run against York in midfield.
A back injury has limited defenseman Harrison McGahey to just six appearances this season and will continue to rule him out, but he is said to be making good progress in his recovery.
Striker Hallam Hope, 28, suffered a knee injury in December and has not played since – having scored the opener in the second leg against York he is unlikely to start this game.
Veteran defender Peter Clarke has been a constant presence for Oldham since his return to the club but picked up a red card in the FA Trophy defeat by Gateshead and will miss it.
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York-City
Key man Maziar Kouhyar is expected to be out for at least one more game as the winger is set to return from a long-term injury.
Also joining Kouhyar on the sidelines are Luke James and Gus Mafuta – both struggling with calf injuries.
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Defender Maxim Kouogun had no involvement in the squad for the FA Trophy win but it is noted he may have traveled home to see family and should be back in contention.
In the most recent win against Chelmsford, Webb made two substitutions at half-time, with defending duo Sam Sanders and Alex Whittle making way through injury.
Ahead of the postponed game against Eastleigh, manager Webb announced that Sanders would be unavailable with a shoulder injury.
Whittle missed a few days of practice earlier last week but is back now, as is winger Nathan Thomas.
Oldham Athletic
Norman; Hogan, Sutton, Sheron, Kitching; Tollitt, Peck, Chapman, Shelton; Fondop, Nutall
York-City
Horse; Duckworth, Kouogun, Kerr, Crookes; Dyson, Pybus, Hurst; Tanner, John-Lewis, Forde
Mark Shelton (Oldham Athletic)
Shelton, who joined Oldham from League 2 contender Hartlepool last Friday, is “delighted to be here” and will likely be a loss to Pools but a win to the Latics.
The 26-year-old has made 17 appearances for his former side in all competitions this season, scoring in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Harrogate.
He is no stranger to the National League system, having spent five seasons of his career in the division, and will be craving a win to begin his Oldham journey on Tuesday.
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Olly DysonYork City
After almost a month on the touchline due to suspension and illness, Dyson made his return a special one, scoring York’s only goal and the crucial penalty in the recent penalty shootout win over Chelmsford, earning him well-deserved man of the game.
The presence of the versatile midfielder is always an asset for the Minstermen, who have scored three goals and provided three assists so far this season.
With his only league goal this season against Oldham, he will be hoping for another repeat of his performance in August.
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Take a look at how these two clubs have fared in past encounters.
29/08/2022: York City 1-1 Oldham Athletic – National League
30/01/1999: York City 0-1 Oldham Athletic – League Division 2
28/12/1998: Oldham Athletic 0-2 York City – League Division 2
10/01/1998: York City 0-0 Oldham Athletic – League Division 2
08/09/1997: Oldham Athletic 3-1 York City – League Division 2
Where is the game played?
This Vanarama National League clash will be played at Oldham’s Boundary Park, anecdotally known as the coldest ground in England.
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When is kick-off?
Like most of the other games taking place in the league on Tuesday, the game is scheduled to start at 19:45 GMT.
Halifax Town vs Scunthorpe Town begins at 19:30 GMT.
How can I watch?
Tickets can be purchased for both home and away fans and it is highly recommended that you purchase online and in advance.
Ticket prices (when pre-purchased) for this match are as follows: Adults £18, Seniors £8, U21s £8, U18s £5, U7s FREE
The game will be streamed live on National League TV (UK fans can watch) for £9.50.
Alternatively, you can listen to live commentary on BBC Radio York.
Both clubs and Jorvik Radio will provide live updates via social media throughout the match.
