Morecambe are targeting a sixth win in seven matches when they visit Oxford City this weekend.

Adam Lakeland, the Morecambe manager, has challenged his players to maintain their momentum. "Winning becomes a habit and we have now won five from the last six," he said. "We have got to keep working hard to get better."

The team's recent results back up that claim. They beat Southport 2-0 last weekend in the FA Cup and have league victories over Brackley Town, Buxton, and AFC Telford United in their last five outings. Their only defeat in that sequence was a 2-1 loss at Southport earlier this month.

Lakeland emphasised that while the league is the priority, every game matters. "Our priority is the league but we want to win every game of football, irrespective of the competition," he explained. "Which is why we want to do well in the cups too and which is why Saturday’s win over Southport was so important."

The Oxford challenge

This Saturday's trip presents a significant test. Oxford City sit second in the table, six points ahead of Morecambe. The fixture will be played on an artificial surface at the Halo Aerospace Stadium, a ground where Morecambe have historically found points hard to come by.

With nine or ten artificial pitches in the division, adapting to different surfaces is part of the challenge. Morecambe's current form, which has seen them score 13 goals and concede just eight in nine league games, gives them confidence. Their recent run has seen them average 2.5 goals per game over the last six matches.

The squad will be looking to build on their solid defensive record and positive goal difference. Key contributors in recent weeks include players like Eli Newby and Will Smith, who were on the scoresheet in the 3-0 win over Brackley Town. For the latest team news and availability, check the club's injuries page.

Morecambe's next assignment is the away clash with Oxford City on Saturday, 26 September. A positive result could see them close in on the promotion places as they continue their push up the National League North table.

This story first appeared at Lancaster Guardian Football