Boro were rewarded for their exceptional win against Dartford FC with another superb challenge against another National League South side Oxford City who progressed rather fortuitously when Truro City were forced to withdraw with Covid related issues in the 3rd round . Whilst Oxford City may not be at the top of the table at the moment they too have had an exceptional season beating League One Northampton Town in the FA Cup first round and narrowly losing by only one goal to Shrewsbury Town also of League One in round two. The Government decision to place London in the new Tier 4 on 19 December put paid to Boro training whilst Oxford City as an Elite Club were able to carry on playing and training although they too have recently had matches postponed due to Covid and their players being forced to self isolate . The latest lockdown has made it even harder for Boro however a recent FA announcement means that Boro will be able to start training as they will come under the auspices of an elite club and subjected to following the FA training protocol for such clubs. The protocol is rather daunting but at least affords an opportunity to assemble and try and prepare albeit at a great disadvantage to our opponents who are used to following the protocol and will have in place the structures demanded of such clubs. We will do our best and hope that we will be able to compete on as near a level playing field as possible. Once again the match will be behind closed doors and we await any news on whether the match will be live streamed
6th January 2021
