ROSS Jenkins is pleased with the progression his Oxford City side is making after picking up their first win in Vanarama National League.
The Hoops had drawn two and lost three of their first five games at the level, however a 4-0 thrashing of Boreham Wood saw the club collect three points for the first time this season.
After the opening day 5-2 defeat at Aldershot Town, Jenkins’ team has adjusted to life in the fifth tier, losing narrowly at home to promotion favourites Rochdale and Chesterfield, before picking up draws on the road against FC Halifax Town and Maidenhead United.
Against Boreham Wood though, the performance matched the result as City enjoyed an afternoon to remember.
Head coach Jenkins said: “I thought we were brilliant and obviously to get the clean sheet is important.
“We were playing a top team and a team that’s been in and around the play-offs in the past few seasons.
“I thought our energy and application to play our football was the most important thing, and we did that.
“We could’ve maybe nicked another one to make it five, but I can’t complain.
“It was a lot of hard work and the boys got their rewards.”
He added: “To score the first goal was important, we haven’t scored the first goal yet since we’ve been in the National League.
“We said that once we score the first one, we’ll get better.
“Momentum only lasts a week because you can be absolutely pants next week.
“It’s important we understand why we played well but confidence-wise, that will give us huge confidence knowing that Boreham Wood are a strong, organised and full-time team who are in and around the play-offs each year. They’ve got an experienced manager and experience players.”
What an afternoon at Court Place Farm as @OxCityFC secure their first win in the National League with a 4-0 victory against Boreham Wood pic.twitter.com/PqtUP7Jd7W
— Liam Rice (@OxMailLiamRice) August 28, 2023
The clash at Court Place Farm came just 48 hours after the trip to Maidenhead, with Jenkins delighted by how his players managed the turnaround, but also improved as the game went on.
“I thought everyone defended so well and that’s a big credit to the players,” he said.
“Just to get past that mental block and barrier of fatigue, and come out and put a big effort in, is the main thing.
“The boys got their rewards and I think it’s been coming.
“The last four games I think we’ve been really good and we’ve been unlucky.
“At our place, we want to try and make it hard for teams to come and play and we want to play our stuff.
“Olly [Sanderson] put a really big shift in and got a goal that he deserved, and possibly could’ve nicked another one.
“Zac [McEachran] came on after missing a chunk of pre-season and the season. To get him on and score with what was probably his fourth touch is what he needed.”
On improving as the season progresses, the former Watford midfielder said: “We’ve got nothing to fear and we’ll try to get stronger each week. I think it’s been a good progression so far.
“It’s a game of football and we’re fully capable. We’ve got some really good players. and we’re really fit and organised.”
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