PREVIEW: OJM CFC (H)
By Dan Sheward
Quorn FC take on OJM C.F.C in their penultimate pre-season game before life in step three commences.
On Friday night, the Stotto Stadium hosts it’s final opponent of the pre-season campaign (Quorn’s first home fixture in the Southern League Premier Central, falls on the 12th of August against Stourbridge). The first game of the new season is against a familiar face, Worcester City with the Reds travelling down to Sixways to get the season up and running.
Ryan Beswick’s side put up another solid display against Shepshed Dynamo, beating them 2-1 away from home. New signing Simeon Cobourne secured himself a brace, with a third goal ruled out for a narrow offside.
The opposition:
The Reds’ opposition for the upcoming home fixture are OJM C.F.C The Midland League Division One side, formally known as Black Country Rangers, were established in 1996. Joining Division two of the West Midlands League in 2007, the club were crowned champions the 09/10 season earning promotion to division one. There was no slowing down for them as they were crowned champions the following season, earning a spot in the premier division. The club were transferred to the Midland league after the West Midlands Premier Division lost it’s step six status at the end of the 2020-21 season.
OJM managed to finish 9th in the Midland League Premier last season, on 46pts, but were relegated back to step six due to ground grading issues. Their last pre-season game came against Kidsgrove Athletic, in which they lost 3-1. Quorn can hopefully replicate a similar result come Friday evening, whilst giving the squad a good chance to sharpen the edges as step three is just around the corner.
Last Game:
Last time out for Quorn, as stated, the Reds picked up a good win against Shepshed Dynamo. Making the trip to the Dovecote Stadium, thanks to a brace from Simeon Cobourne, Quorn won the game 2-1.
In what was a feisty friendly, with both Cieron Keane and Billy Kee received yellow cards, the Reds did well to see the game off after Dynamo grabbed themselves a goal back and had chances to snatch a draw.
Quorn have two games left of the pre-season campaign and will hope to end it unbeaten as they continue to pick up wins as well as minutes in the tank ahead of the new season.
Head-to-Head:
The two sides are yet to go head-to-head, with Friday night being the first meeting. OJM will hope to put an end to Quorn’s unbeaten run in what will be a good test for the Midland League Division One side.
Ticket Prices:
Adults £5.00
Concessions £5.00
Under 16s Free