Woodstock Town Reserves Aim for Victory Against Bletchington Devs in January Clash

Wishing a Happy New Year to all fans and readers. We hope you enjoyed a fantastic Christmas and New Year and are excited for the football in 2026.

The upcoming match between Woodstock Town Reserves and Bletchington Devs promises to be an exciting encounter. Scheduled for Saturday, 3rd January 2026, at New Road, Woodstock (OX20 1PD), with kick off at 2 pm, both teams will be eager to secure three points early in the new year. The last meeting between these sides ended in a narrow 1-0 victory for Woodstock Town Reserves, thanks to an own goal by Bletchington. This time, the stakes are just as high, with Woodstock currently sitting in 5th place and Bletchington in 11th.

New Road football pitch in Woodstock, ready for the January match

Current Form and Standings

Woodstock Town Reserves enter this fixture on the back of a strong performance over the Christmas period. Their 3-1 win against Long Wittenham on 20th December showcased their attacking prowess and defensive resilience. This victory helped them maintain a solid position in 5th place on the league table, keeping them in contention for a top spot as the season progresses.

Bletchington Devs, meanwhile, last played on 13th December and also secured three points with a win over Quarry Rovers. Despite this positive result, they currently sit in 11th place, indicating a need to improve consistency if they want to climb the table. Their defence will need to be particularly alert, given the attacking threat posed by Woodstock Town Reserves.

For Woodstock Town Reserves, a win would solidify their position in the top five and keep their momentum going after the Christmas break. It would also send a message to other teams that they are serious contenders this season.

Bletchington Devs see this match as an opportunity to gain valuable points and move away from the lower end of the table. A positive result could boost their confidence and help build a stronger run in the second half of the season.

The clash between Woodstock Town Reserves and Bletchington Devs on 3rd January offers more than just three points. It is a chance for both teams to set the tone for the new year and demonstrate their ambitions. Woodstock will look to capitalize on their recent form and home advantage, while Bletchington aims to upset the odds and climb the table.

Fans should expect a competitive, well-fought match with moments of skill and determination. Whether you are a supporter or a neutral, this game promises to deliver engaging football and plenty of talking points.

MANAGERS COMMENTS

The New Year brings a new level of intensity to New Road. For Woodstock Town Reserves, January is no longer just the start of a calendar year—it is the make-or-break month for our silverware ambitions.

With four crucial fixtures on the horizon, the message from the dressing room is clear: Focus. Intensity. Availability.

We currently sit 5th, within striking distance of the top. However, league football in January is notoriously unpredictable. Our two league fixtures this month are "must-wins" to ensure we don't lose touch with the leaders.

First up is Bletchington Devs on Jan 3rd. We beat them 1-0 last time, but we can't rely on luck or own goals this time. We don't know which Bletchington side will turn up, but it doesn't matter—if we play our game and dictate the tempo at home, the result will follow.

Beyond the league, our knockout ambitions are on the line. January sees us competing in both the County Cup and the Clarendon Cup.

In cup football, there are no "off days." One lapse in concentration, one poor 90 minutes, and the run is over. To keep the dream of a trophy alive, we need to treat these games with the same tactical discipline as a title decider.

To navigate this month, we need every single player fit, focused, and ready to contribute.

We cannot afford a "January hangover."

With 4 high-stakes games in 31 days, every member of the squad will be called upon.

"January is where the pretenders fall away and the contenders stand up. We have the quality; now we need the mentality."