United Ease To Victory In Front of Sky Sports Cameras

Boxing Day. A special day in the football calendar. As the English season nears its half-way stage, December 26 always serves up some festive treats. It is the first of three integral matches played in quick succession over the Christmas period that can either kick start or derail a campaign. It is crunch time for a manager, especially those struggling to keep their side above the dreaded drop. With the January transfer window looming, it is equally important for players to prove their worth. As such, Boxing Day matches tend to be fast, ferocious and enthralling encounters.

Quite how Oxford United had managed to sneak onto Sky Sports 1 on such a great footballing day was therefore rather astonishing. One can only presume it was because Oxford’s opponents on Boxing Day were the people’s club, AFC Wimbledon. The story of AFC Wimbledon is a remarkable one. The club was founded in 2002 after the FA sanctioned Wimbledon FC’s relocation to Milton Keynes. Since then, AFC have gone on to achieve a staggering five promotions in only nine years. Their promotion in last year’s Conference playoff final against Luton Town was greeted with cheers by every (well, not Luton’s) football fan in the country. This is because the club’s success in the last decade has been the result of a hard-core group of dedicated fans determined to keep their beloved club in existence.

Since their formation in 2002, AFC Wimbledon have shared the Kingsmeadow ground with their non-league neighbours, Kingstonian. Unsurprisingly, Kingsmeadow was more out of the Underhill school of League 2 grounds than Oxford’s plush all-seater stadium. Apart from the Paul Strank stand running along one side of the pitch, the rest of the ground (also known as the ‘Cherry Red Records Stadium’) is made up of terracing. The Oxford fans had been allocated a generous 700 tickets in the ‘John Smiths’ Terrace’ opposite the Paul Strank Stand. It was a squeeze, to put it politely. In fact, we were so close to the ground that when there was a pause in the singing, Chris Wilder’s thick Yorkshire accent could be clearly heard barking instructions at his players (in particular Alfie Potter). This was boot room football and a stark reminder that our club was rooted in the basement of the Football League.

To the game itself. Oxford had made only one change to the starting eleven that eased to victory over Northampton the previous week. Rob Hall’s mid-week departure to his parent club, West Ham, had seen his namesake, Asa, recalled to a starting berth. It was thus Ryan Clarke in goal, an unchanged back four, a midfield three of the energetic Simon Heslop, the mercurial Peter Leven and the battling Hall, with an attacking trio of Tom Craddock, Potter and James Constable.

In truth, Oxford’s victory was more the result of the home side’s failings than any stroke of genius produced by the Yellows. In the first half, AFC Wimbledon were shocking. Their confidence was clearly at rock bottom having not recorded a win in the League since October 8. Despite this, Oxford started the game sluggishly. It was not until ten minutes into the encounter that the away side had their first sighting on goal when a smart move ended in Craddock wildly shooting over the bar. Five minutes later though, Oxford took the lead. A weaving Potter run saw the ball slipped into the path of Constable, who placed the ball coolly past Seb Brown in the Dons net. Vintage Constable.

On the sidelines, the Wimbledon manager, Terry Brown urged his team to respond, but bar a tame shot from Sammy Moore, none was forthcoming. To make matters worse for Brown and his team, United doubled their advantage on the stroke of half time. A teasing Leven corner was met by the unmarked Hall who guided his header into the gaping net. It was all too easy for the away side, who had barely needed to get out of second gear.

After a bleak first half showing, the home side rallied after the break. Almost straight from the re-start, the ‘Wombles’ were denied a stone-wall penalty by Andy D’Urso, the former Premier League official after Hall brought down an onrushing Wimbledon player in the box. There was further frustration for the Dons two minutes later when Rashid Yussuff rattled the bar with only Clarke to beat. Yussuff’s missed chance finally sparked the lethargic away side into life and the U’s responded with an intricate move that once again fell to Craddock, who shot straight at Brown. Similarly to the first half, the U’s gradually took charge of proceedings and another impressive move in front of the SKY cameras between Leven and Damian Batt, should have seen Craddock bury the chance that finally came his way. With the game nearing its conclusion, substitute Anthony Tonkin ought to have netted his first of the season with a free header from a corner while SKY’s man of the match, Potter, went close with a scorching shot.

An important win and our third in the capital this campaign, but United are still yet to reach the level of performance they produced in October. This victory does not disguise the fact that there are still areas where United will need to improve. In particular, Andy Whing must be replaced with Michael Duberry when the former Chelsea man is back to full fitness. Whing was booked in this game for a rash tackle and against more lively opponents, he will be cruelly exposed for his lack of pace and inexperience at the heart of the defence.

The next two matches, away at Torquay and home to Crawley will provide a stiff test of Oxford’s promotion credentials.

Man of the match: Asa Hall

On a last note, I was bitterly disappointed by the reaction of the Oxford fans to Jack Midson. In the second half, Midson appeared to take a tumble in the United penalty area. The replays show that, in fact, there was a degree of contact. Still, Midson was booked by D’Urso and then abused by the U’s faithful for the remainder of the game. Midson was a gutsy and determined player who always gave it everything in a yellow shirt. Moreover, he was a crucial member of our promotion winning side. Without him, we might still be languishing in the Blue Square Bet Premier. As with any popular and important former player, he ought to receive a hero’s reception when he plays against the U’s. The boos sickened me.

United Inflict Further Misery on Sorry Cobblers

Oxford United recorded their first victory in seven matches this afternoon with a comfortable victory over a diabolical Northampton Town. Aidy Boothroyd, the Cobblers’ new boss must have wondered what he has signed up to. At least it was only a one-year contract. From the clumsy distribution of Ben Tozer at the heart of the defence to the 16 stone frame of Adebayo Akinfenwa in attack, Northampton appeared a disorganised shambles. Boothroyd, once the rookie manager of the Premiership when he was at Watford, has his work cut out to simply keep the club in the division. If not, the taunts from the Oxford Mail stand of ‘Tuesday night, Barrow away!’ will become a very real prospect. That is an experience that I would not wish upon any loyal football fan.

With Oxford United also shorn of confidence, it was never going to be a classic encounter at the Kassam Stadium this afternoon. While it was a victory that did not paper over the cracks within Oxford’s team, it was a much-needed three points that sees the U’s rise to eighth in the table, just outside the play-offs. Ahead of a packed festive footballing calendar, it was a crucial result and one that the Yellows must now capitalise on.

On a crisp December afternoon, the home side started the brighter of the two struggling teams. From the kick off, Robert Hall, playing on the right side of four man midfield, whipped in a cross which James Constable was unable to direct on target. Indeed, the change in formation to a 4-4-2 seemed to give United the width they had desperately required in the previous home match against Cheltenham Town and led to a flurry of early crosses into the nervy Northampton penalty area. However, the Cobblers held firm amid United’s early dominance and began to grow into the contest. In an impressive ten minute spell, they deserved to take the lead. First, Arron Davies, one of Northampton’s brightest sparks, fizzed a shot wide of the post. Then, a Northampton corner was nearly diverted into the United net, but was cleared off the line by Simon Heslop. This was followed only moments later by Saido Berahino finding himself through on goal, only to direct his shot straight at the onrushing Ryan Clarke.

United’s confidence was at an all-time low. In particular, Heslop and Damian Batt were struggling to exert themselves on proceedings and were caught in possession on a number of occasions. The crowd was growing restless. Oxford needed a goal. Unfortunately, none was forthcoming. Hall sliced a left-foot shot wide of Sam Walker’s goal and then a cleverly worked corner between Heslop and Peter Leven was saved comfortably by the Chelsea loanee. Just how vast is Chelsea’s youth academy? It seems that almost every professional began his career at Stamford Bridge. On the stroke of half time, a trademark Leven corner was almost diverted home, but it was cleared off the line. Referee Bates then blew for the end of a cagey and frustrating forty-five minutes.

The second half resumed in much the same manner, with the crowd requiring a lift from the players to wake them from the previous night’s office Christmas party. In fact, Northampton provided the first piece of magic in the half as Michael Jacobs smashed a twenty-five yard drive into the roof of the net, only to find that Bates had already blown for a Northampton foul. Jacobs was, by a country mile, Northampton’s best player. A youngster who has come through their youth ranks, how he must be wishing he had been nurtured elsewhere.

Just to add insult to injury, three minutes later it was the home side who took the lead. A suicidal clearance from the clueless Cobblers defence fell straight into the path of Alfie Potter. The little maestro jinked past an opposing defender before laying a pass into Tom Craddock who swivelled and smashed a fantastic left foot shot into the far corner of the net. This was vintage Craddock. After a virtually anonymous first half showing, he had bagged his customary goal.

Despite this, the U’s did not go on to batter their frail opponents in the same way that Shrewsbury had managed a fortnight ago. If anything, they were fortunate that the Cobblers did not cancel out their advantage. With twenty minutes remaining, Akinfenwa was slipped through and were it not for a crucial intervention from Jake Wright, the biggest man in the Football League would have wheeled away and performed his trademark dancing celebration.

With the game drawing to a close, there was a dramatic last ten minutes in store. First, Craddock was hauled down in Northampton’s box by the woeful Tozer for a penalty. What followed from the resulting spot-kick was rather spectacular, as Craddock smashed the ball high and wide out of the ground and into the car park. The ball was still rising as it flew over the fence behind Northampton’s goal. Thankfully, it did not prove costly, as only two minutes later the rampaging Constable powered his way down the left wing before drilling a firm cross into the box that Deane Smalley (yes Deane Smalley) tapped in for the winner. This was Smalley’s first goal at the Kassam in what has been a testing season for our summer signing. Better late than never I suppose.

Smalley’s shock goal did not spell the end of the drama however, as Heslop missed a five-yard sitter, before that man Akinfenwa had a last gasp penalty wonderfully saved by the excellent Clarke in United’s net. A thrilling last ten minutes in what had otherwise been a dreary encounter void of creativity, invention and panache.

Still, this is a massive boost for Oxford prior to Boxing Day’s clash away at AFC Wimbledon, who have not won in the League since October 8.

Man of the Match: Liam Davis. I can’t believe it was officially given to Andy Whing. His admirable performance today does not disguise the fact that he is out of his depth both in this division and at the heart of the defence. We desperately need Michael Duberry back. Since his absence, Oxford have not only leaked goals but have looked rudderless. His leadership qualities are essential to Oxford’s success.

Battling Draw Provides Festive Cheer

A scrappy 0-0 on a boggy mud bath in the North-West of England is not a result that immediately catches the eye. It does not point to a classic encounter filled with goal-mouth action. Jeff Stelling, on Gillette Soccer Saturday, barely mentioned the result at the Globe Arena. The rest of the world, it seemed, were far too excited about that evening's 'El Clasico' to care about proceedings at a chilly, wind-swept ground in Morecambe.

But we're happy. Fans of Oxford United are delighted about the dour 0-0 in Morecambe. Finally, after a miserable run of five defeats, the U's have halted the rut. Moreover, this is a decent result whatever the circumstances. Morecambe are the Stoke City of League 2; physical, fit and difficult to break down. Not many teams turn the Shrimps over at the Globe Arena.

Perhaps Morecambe were unfortunate not to win the game. Their spritely centre-forward, Lewis Alessandra went close with three long-range drives. Oxford had their chances too, though; a rasping Damian Batt shot from outside the box in the second-half was smartly saved by Shrimps captain Barry Roche. In a game of few chances, a goal-less draw seemed a fair result.

The highlight of the game from an Oxford United perspective was the return to first team action of Adam 'Chappers' Chapman. The Northern Irishman had last appeared for United at Wembley in the play-off final in May 2010, after which he broke down in tears on the pitch. Chapman was subsequently sentenced to prison for causing death by dangerous driving. He was released from prison in September this year, yet he then sustained a foot injury which had prevented him from making a first-team appearance since then.

So while the rest of the world turned their attention to the Bernabeau and all the glamour and showboating that comes with it, Oxford United fans could relax in the knowledge that their team had picked up a battling draw on a mud bath in Morecambe.

Struggling U's Desperately Need Win

Since I last blogged, things have gone from bad to worse at the Kassam. The optimism that I displayed in my last post has now given way to a feeling of defeatism, depression and disappointment. Oxford United have hit a rut at perhaps the critical moment in the season; the lead up to the packed Christmas calendar. In much the same way as last season, the U’s have crashed to five straight losses (albeit two were not in the all-important League).

It is difficult to pinpoint exactly why Oxford have suffered such a blip in form. Admittedly, United have faced the top three teams in League 2 in Southend, Crawley Town and Cheltenham, with the clashes against the Shrimps and financially lucrative Crawley coming away from the Kassam. Injuries have been another major factor in United’s slide down the table. Michael Duberry’s leadership qualities and no-nonsense defending has been a particularly sore loss for United. The Yellows have also missed Alfie Potter’s wing wizardry and ability to unlock any defence in this division with his direct running in the latter stages of games. Added to this, Robbie Hall’s goal-scoring and electric pace has been keenly felt after he was recalled to his parent club, West Ham, to ease an injury crisis of their own. Although Hall has now thankfully re-signed for Oxford on loan, his four game absence coincided with four straight defeats for Oxford. Unfortunately, Danny Philliskirk and Jonathan Franks who were drafted in to replace the youngster looked drastically short of match fitness and failed to make the grade, while Deane Smalley has been dismal for United this campaign, mustering only a single goal and that in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. Moreover, on Hall’s return to first team, at home to Cheltenham, he seemed to have lost some of the confidence and form he displayed during his first prolific spell. We can only hope that he re-discovers his spark, and quickly.

"Michael Duberry’s leadership qualities and no-nonsense defending has been a particularly sore loss for United"

Manager Chris Wilder must too take a share of the blame. His decision to replace the side-lined Duberry with the hapless Andrew Whing in the centre of defence is baffling. Whing may well have won Brighton’s player of the season only three seasons ago, but he is clearly a shadow of the player he once was. His frightful lack of pace has left Oxford extremely susceptible to opposing forwards. He is certainly not a central defender. Surely Harry Worley, although hardly faultless himself, deserves a chance ahead of Whing.

I’ll start with the Crawley game. In truth, it was always going to be a tough test, whatever form Oxford found themselves in prior to the game. Two early goals from Crawley’s outstanding centre forward, Tyrone Barnett, put United on the back foot and from there United faced an uphill battle. A spirited fight-back followed, with the tenacious James Constable bagging himself a goal through gutsy determination, when he refused to give up on a through ball and squeezed it past Scott Shearer. It is such battling qualities that have so endeared ‘Beano’ to the Oxford faithful the past few seasons. He really has cemented himself in the Oxford United annals.

Unfortunately, the U’s were unable to capitalise on Constable’s goal and in the third minute of stoppage time in the first half, a miss-hit cross from Adam Drury squirmed under Ryan Clarke to make it 3-1 and almost certainly game over. It was a rare howler from Oxford’s solid goalkeeper, but a costly one, as the Yellows struggled to assert themselves in the game thereafter, eventually conceding another goal to make it 4-1 at the final whistle. Oxford had been well-beaten on the day by a team that will view anything other than automatic promotion as a failed campaign.

And so on to Cheltenham Town. Our ‘noisy neighbours’? Not really. Indeed, it staggered me that a team sitting in third place in the division could not even bring a thousand fans to a ground less than an hour away. Those who had made the short journey had every reason to be cheerful, however. As soon as the match got underway, it became clear why the Robins, despite their limited budget, were occupying an automatic promotion place. Under the watchful eye of manager Mark Yates, Cheltenham zipped the ball around on the Kassam turf, leaving the home side to chase shadows. Cheltenham’s forward, Darryl Duffy, a player still desperately trying to re-capture the form from his Falkirk days over five years ago now, looked particularly spritely. With only ten minutes on the clock, the Robins made their early pressure count. An over hit cross (or was it a stroke of genius?) by Cheltenham cult-hero Sido Jombati sailed over Ryan Clarke’s outstretched glove and into the United net.

"Cheltenham’s forward, Darryl Duffy, a player still desperately trying to re-capture the form from his Falkirk days over five years ago now, looked particularly spritely"

We all hoped that this set-back would incite some energy and passion into Oxford’s play, but alas, none was forthcoming. Lewis Guy, on his first game back in a yellow shirt following his mid-week loan move from Milton Keynes Dons, was particularly ineffectual. I am yet to see what Wilder sees in the former Newcastle youth player. For the rest of the half, Cheltenham continued to play their neat, intricate football and deservedly went in ahead at half-time.

At the break, Wilder decided to replace defensive midfielder, Paul McLaren (who was also on a booking), with striker Deane Smalley, which saw United change to a 4-4-2 formation. Unfortunately, this tactical decision failed to galvanise Oxford into action and on 54 minutes, left-back Liam Davis was rightfully shown a second yellow card for an unnecessary lunge on Jombati. To make matters worse, a minute later, a Cheltenham corner was scrambled in by James Spencer at the back post to make it 2-0 to the away side.

This was surely game over. Sensing this, a few shameful fans left their seats and headed to the exit. Disgraceful. Cheltenham’s second actually spurred the restless Oxford crowd into song and the players responded to the chorus of chants from behind the goal. First, Peter Leven went close with a spectacularly struck free-kick which Cheltenham’s outstanding, yet cocky, young goalkeeper, Jack Butland was equal to. Then United’s workhorse, Constable, fired a screaming shot to Butland’s left, which he somehow managed to claw away. Butland, on loan from Birmingham, was justifying his recent call up to the England U21 set up. Still United kept coming and with ten minutes remaining, a sublime 30 yard free kick from the magical left-foot of Leven finally alluded Butland and somehow, Oxford were back in the encounter.

Sadly, Oxford were denied a late rally, as Cheltenham’s outstanding performer on the day, Marlon Pack’s, free kick five minutes from time was cruelly deflected past Clarke to send the Cheltenham supporters into wild delirium.

With no game this weekend, having been beaten by Sheffield United in the FA Cup 1st Round, it gives Oxford two weeks to address their slump in form and reduce their lengthy injury list. With a kinder festive fixture list round the corner, against the likes of struggling Northampton Town and off-form AFC Wimbledon, next week’s match away at Morecambe is crucial. A scrappy win would be the perfect tonic to halt our slide down the League 2 table.

Three Defeats Yet U's Still Optimistic

Since I last blogged, United have lost three matches on the trot. Should we start panicking? Are Oxford about to enter one of their trademark desperate downward spirals? No. Relax. Remain cheerful. All is still well at the Kassam.

While it is true that the U's have suffered three consecutive defeats, only one of these has come in the unpredictable League 2. Moreover, this loss was recorded at Roots Hall, home of table toppers, Southend United.

Judging from the match highlights, post-match reaction and BBC stats, the Yellows were mightly unlucky not to draw, or even win the contest. As Paul Sturrock, the Southend boss, admitted in his post-match interview: 'To be fair, a lot of people will walk away knowing that the better team today lost.' This does appear to be true. United amassed an impressive 15 shots on target, compared to the Shrimpers' six. However, Oxford's failure to capitalise on their dominance, particularly in the first half, was once again the catalyst for their downfall. One can only hope that this result does not prove crucial come crunch time in May.

Unfortunately, this result saw us slip below Swindon in the table as we dropped to seventh, still in a play-off place but by the skin of our teeth. What better way to avenge Saturday's defeat than by beating the same opponents in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy on Tuesday night?

Sadly, it seems that Southend are quickly our bogey club. After substitute keeper, Wayne Brown, was dismissed for handling the ball outside his area after only ten minutes, it was always going to be an uphill task for the home team. Given that manager Chris Wilder decides against naming a substitute goalkeeper, poor Asa Hall was forced to don the gloves. His first contribution was to pick the ball out of the net from the resulting set-piece. That is how the scoreline remained for the following eighty minutes. Indeed, the main action came ten minutes into the second half, when a mass brawl started on the half way line; Southend's Anthony Grant was the first to receive his marching orders and Tom Craddock, on his long-awaited return from injury, followed Grant down the tunnel shortly afterwards.

Our next encounter was in the FA Cup, in what was a glamour tie away at League 1 giants, Sheffield United. The fixture meant an emotional return to Bramall Lane for boy-hood Blades' fan and former player, Wilder and also for United's goalkeeping coaching, Alan Hodgkinson, who represented Sheffield United over 600 times.

Sadly, no shock was forthcoming as United fell to an early goal from former Manchester City striker, Ched Evans, before a further strike from the Welshman and one from Ryan Flynn helped seal Oxford's fate.

This does not necessarily mean that there will be no FA Cup fever within Oxfordshire this year. Oxford City drew away at Redbridge, which saw them into the hat for the 2nd round. A victory in the replay, would see them travel to Crawley Town, which, incidentally, is United's next League game.

Expect fireworks.

Leven Scores Greatest Ever Goal at the Kassam to Defeat Vale

Yesterday’s sensational game at the Kassam will forever be remembered for that goal. The best goal we have witnessed at the Kassam Stadium in ten years.

With the scores locked at one a piece, Peter Leven, our classy Scottish midfielder intercepted a pass in the centre circle and spotted the Vale keeper, Stuart Tomlinson, off his line. What then followed will stick in the memory of Oxford United fans for years to come. Leven looked up, before executing a perfectly weighted strike from the half way line over Tomlinson’s outstretched hands and into the net. It was sort of goal that we may occasionally see on Match of the Day if we are lucky. We never expected such a moment of footballing genius at a League 2 fixture.

To even attempt such an audacious effort underlines the sheer confidence that is running through Oxford’s team at the moment. Following our impressive 5-1 battering over bottom club, Plymouth Argyle, on Tuesday night (where Leven scored another superb goal), Oxford are on a roll. Micky Adams’ Port Vale visited the Kassam at the wrong time.

United’s only change from Tuesday’s match saw Andrew Whing replace the suspended Damian Batt. Thankfully, Batt’s suspension is only for a single game as Whing’s woeful lack of pace consistently left the U’s susceptible on the Vale’s left side.

Despite this minor mishap, Oxford carried on where they left off on Tuesday night and stormed into the lead on ten minutes, courtesy of cult hero and centre-back colossus, Michael Duberry. An inswinging Leven corner was met firmly by the experienced head of the ‘Dubes’, who proceeded to tear down the Kassam pitch towards the Oxford Mail pumping his arms widely in the air with a wide grin etched across his face. It is such clear displays of passion that have so endeared Duberry to the United faithful.

United then created a host of chances to double their advantage. Rob Hall, in particular was unfortunate not to add another goal to his impressive United tally, as Tomlinson pulled off a fine save to deny the best thing to have come out of Aylesbury since the A41.

Still, Oxford needed to be on their guard as Vale, under the watchful eye of experienced manager Adams, also had their chances to level the scores. Ryan Clarke saved expertly from Doug Loft and captain Jake Wright made two outstanding defensive blocks from the same player to ensure that the Yellows went in ahead at the break.

In the second half, Oxford had the clearest opportunity to extend their lead. The indefatigable James Constable bustled his way down the right flank before squaring the ball for Alfie Potter, who dummed (fluffed) his shot into the path of Leven, who sent a screaming left foot drive inches wide of the goal. Minutes later, Hall stung the fingertips of Tomlinson with a ferocious shot inside the box.

Oxford were left to rue these missed chances, though, as on 62 minutes Vale’s talisman Marc Richards put the away side level after a neat move. Similarly to last year, the 839 away supporters went crazy and tried to storm the Kassam turf. With half an hour to go, Oxford faced the prospect of throwing away a home lead for the 5th time already this season.

Before we even had time to contemplate this depressing statistic, though, Leven’s moment of magic sent the Oxford Mail into a wild and disbelieving frenzy. Supporters grabbed one another, screaming in each other’s faces at the incredible nature of the goal.

The drama did not stop there. With ten minutes left on the clock, the hapless referee, Mark Haywood, who also officiated the Swindon game, gave a dubious penalty against Duberry. Richards stepped up and powerfully struck his shot to Clarke’s right, who pulled off a magnificent, match-winning save.

This save emphasises how every single player is contributing to United’s push up the table. We will need this togetherness for our next two league games, away at league leaders Southend United and second place Crawley Town.

But we do not need to think about that just yet. For now, let’s just continue to enjoy watching highlights of Leven’s spectacular effort.

Man of the Match: Peter Leven

Consistency the key for exciting United

It's been a very busy month. I have returned to University where I have been appointed the Sports Editor of the paper. I have also spent too much time in Bristol nightclubs. Hence my lack of regular posts on the blog.

Since I last wrote here, Oxford have continued to impress and recently sat in the giddy heights of an automatic promotion place. However, last weekend's loss to Kent outfit Gillingham has seen us slide back down to seventh, albeit still a very respectable position.

I'll start with the Accrington Stanley match, where the Yellows were once again held at the Kassam. Although many fans berated United's inability to turn draws into wins at home on BBC Radio Oxford after the game, I must give John Coleman's side credit here. Stanley, similarly to last year, played some attractive football and clearly have a very strong team spirit running through their team. Moreover, their playmaker, the bald-header scouser Ian Craney, is one of the most talented players I have seen grace the Kassam in the last few seasons. He was a constant threat to the Oxford defence and it was he that helped Accrington to a well-deserved point last month.

In the blistering sunshine at Edgar Street, Oxford responsed in the best possible manner, defeating struggling Hereford by a single Robert Hall goal. Hall has proved to be one of Wilder's most inspired loan signings; his electric pace, tricky footwork and eye for a goal have been crucial to United's success this month. He's one of the those players who can actually get away with sporting yellow boots. I'm not sure I can quite say the same about Michael Duberry's white ones. A quick word on 'Dubes.' He is turning out to be a colossus for us at the back. He has turned our shaky back four of last year into a solid, organised unit.

A few days later in the JPT (the trophy fans secretly want their team to get knocked out of), United recorded an away victory over Aldershot. Remarkably, Deane Smalley got on the score sheet, through a stunning solo effort. I'm rather eager for us to defeat Southend in the next round, as a two leg tie against Swindon could await. On a rainy Tuesday night, that could be quite tasty.

The next game against Bristol Rovers was one I had been really looking for to, given my University roots. In front of a large crowd, Oxford produced a superb performance running out 3-0 winners. Constable, Oxford's talisman netted twice. His first on sixteen minutes was vintage 'Beano'; he twisted Rovers' lanky centre back, Cian Bolger, inside out before giving himself room to smash the ball home. Wonderful stuff.

This was followed by a trip up north to lowly Macclesfield (which I confess, I did not attend). Moss Rose is one of United's bogey grounds, shown by last year's match where the Yellows managed to throw away a two goal lead. Oxford looked like losing to the Silkmen yet again, but drew level with the last kick of the match thanks to Robert Hall.

This result left Oxford third in the division. Unfortunately, last week's disappointing result at Priestfield has seen us move back into the play-off places. Worst still, the Gills had been reduced to ten men with the whole of the second half to play (and nine men just before the end), but much like the Crewe game, Oxford could not finish a host of chances that fell their way.

United now have two important home matches, against rock bottom Plymouth and traditionally strong Port Vale to try and steer themselves back into those much-coveted automatic spots.

United Sting Bees

This was put on the Rage Online website:

They don’t make football grounds like Underhill anymore. What a shame. This tatty, crumbling stadium with its rusty turnstiles and uncovered terraces is a special place to watch football. It has a wonderful retro charm and is a reminder of how football used to be, before the days of executive boxes and plush all-seater stadiums starved of any atmosphere.

The Oxford fans were squeezed together in the covered East Terrace running along the side of the pitch and thanks to the fantastic acoustics in the stand could cause a real racket. The one draw-back of being so tightly packed together was that it was difficult to catch all the action, as one had to stand on tip-toe and peer in between fans when the ball made its way into the corners of the pitch.

Underhill is also a tricky ground for the players to contend with. Reminiscent of the Manor and Portsmouth’s Fratton Park, there is a devious slope that runs down the pitch. This can be a home side’s secret weapon.

Chris Wilder had elected to stick with the side that won convincingly at Dagenham on Tuesday night. New loan signing (how many are there?) Andy Howarth, who arrived from Bury this week, had to settle for a place on the bench. Andrew Whing had recovered from his illness and was also among the substitutes. Thankfully, Wilder had decided to start Damien Batt in place of the more defensive Whing. Lawrie Sanchez had also set his team out in the 4-3-3 formation favoured by Oxford’s boss. The first thing that struck me about Barnet was the size of their centre backs, the Australian Daniel Leach and Cameroonian Clovis (interesting name) Kamdjo. United’s centre forward, James Constable was going to be in for a tough afternoon against that strapping pair.

After easing to victory on Tuesday night, the Bees appeared to have taken the sting out of Oxford early on in this encounter, controlling the majority of the possession. Oxford struggled to impose themselves on the game, resorting to ‘hoof-ball’ instead of their customary pass and move game under Wilder’s watchful eye. Despite Barnet’s superior ball retention though, Oxford had the first real opening. The in-form Alfie Potter tore past Barnet’s left back, Jordan Parkes before fizzing the ball across the Barnet box, only just alluding Constable. Parks rightfully took a healthy amount of stick from the raucous United fans in the East Terrace for a boy band-style floppy quiff he had clearly perfected in front of the mirror.

Twenty minutes into the game, Oxford were handed a lifeline by referee Carl Berry. A Daniel Leach deflected shot tamely dribbled past Ryan Clarke into the United net. However, Berry came to Oxford’s rescue, deciding that the ball had struck a Barnet player on the hand en route. For a League Two official, Berry had a decent match. He was not helped by his hapless linesmen, but still managed to get the most important decisions right. Ten minutes after the disallowed goal, he correctly yellow carded Oxford’s captain Jake Wright after he hauled down Izale McLeod. The home crowd demanded a red, but the towering Michael Duberry was covering in behind Wright meaning that he was not the last man.

After this scare and perhaps undeservedly, the U’s went ahead on 32 minutes. The creative Peter Leven released the nimble-footed Potter down the left who cut the ball back for Simon Heslop. Oxford’s midfielder had ample time to pick his spot and expertly placed his shot past Dean Brill in the Barnet goal. Celebrations are always that bit more wild in a terrace, as a fan has complete freedom to release their ecstatic joy. The Oxford fans danced around the East Terrace hugging each other and screaming in delight at another ‘Hesser’ wonder goal.

Five minutes later, Oxford doubled their advantage and once again, Leven was at the thick of things. His audacious chip into the path of the overlapping Liam Davis was quite superb and the left back finished with aplomb. What followed was utterly bizarre. All the Oxford fans standing at the opposite end of the ground thought that the ball had crashed into the side netting and let out a united groan. However, Davis had wheeled away in delight. Referee Berry had awarded a goal. Finally, the Oxford fans began to celebrate, everyone smiling incredulously at each other at the bizarre circumstances as they gleefully jumped around.

The second half saw the introduction of ex-Oxford youth and first team player, Sam Deering. Sadly, Deering received a negative reaction from the United faithful. Whatever Oxford supporters may think of Deering, he still played a crucial role at Wembley on that fateful day and this should not be forgotten. Clearly, the abuse from the away supporters played on Deering’s mind as he went on to have a wretched second half.

The Bees had the first real opportunity of the second half, Mark Byrne forcing a smart stop from Ryan Clarke, who had a brilliant game in the United net. Brill then matched Clarke in the Barnet goal, blocking a Constable shot with his feet after impressive wing play from Potter. United then brought on new signing, Andy Haworth who was lively and spritely straight away. However, one has to feel a degree of sympathy for Josh Payne, a player with fantastic potential and who after impressing against Dagenham on Tuesday night, must have felt bitterly disappointed at being overlooked by the debutant here.

With fifteen minutes left on the clock, Wilder brought on Whing in place of the tiring Paul McLaren, whose steady influence was again crucial to United’s success here. His last substitution saw Deane Smalley replace Constable and the former Oldham man had a golden opportunity to final open his Oxford account after being played in by Potter. However, with his confidence clearly at a low ebb, he weakly placed his shot straight at Brill.

Barnet’s captain, Mark Hughes, had a late shot that crashed against the post, thankfully denying Oxford a nervy finish. The drama was not over yet though. In the last minute, Jake Wright was rightfully given a second yellow card for a lunge on Deering by Berry. Deering’s playacting as he feigned injury on the floor, made the former Oxford man even more unpopular than ever.

What a week in the capital for Oxford, who now climb to 7th in the table and only three points off Rotherham in second.

Man of the Match: Peter Leven

Debut Goal Sinks Ragged Daggers

This has also been put up on the Rage Online website:

The first thing I would say about Dagenham is that it is deceptively far away. The Dagenham East tube stop lies almost at the very end of the District Line. As a result of this, a large number of Oxford United supporters arrived at the run-down, yet charismatic, Victoria Road bang on quarter to eight. Given the nature of their stadium and the fact that they are located less than five minutes away from one of England's most famous football clubs in West Ham, Dagenham's promotion to League One two years ago was a highly improbable, yet quite remarkable achievement. Let us hope that Oxford can replicate their success this season.

After this performance, the signs are encouraging. United were the superior side for almost the entirety of this encounter, running out worthy winners by a single goal. The result saw Oxford rise to 11th in the league, level on points with bitter rivals Swindon Town and the bookies' favourite for promotion Bristol Rovers. A meagre two points seperates Oxford and third place Port Vale.

Still, it took a while for the game to come to life. The opening fifteen minutes involved players from either side carelessly lumping the ball high into the air - the hoof-ball was not easy on the eye. Peter Leven tried to liven proceedings up by attempting a daring 40-yard strike, but it fell harmlessly into the arms of Dagenham goalkeeper Chris Lewington. Five minutes later the Daggers had their first real opening, as Barbadian Jon Nurse nipped in front of Michael Duberry, only for his header to flash past the post. With thirty-five minutes on the clock, United finally created a meaningful opportunity to break the deadlock. Once again Leven was at the heart of the move, sliding in a perfectly weighted ball for 17-year-old Ryan Hall, making his debut on loan from West Ham, who fizzed a threatening ball across the Dagenham box into the path of the onrushing James Constable, only for United's top scorer to hook the ball over. Hall was very encouraging on his debut - he has electric pace and an assured first touch. He is certainly a step up from the hugely disappointing Lewis Guy. Wilder had also finally elected to start Damien Batt in place of the hapless Andrew Whing, which offered United another attacking outlet down the right flank. Aside from this, Oxford were unchanged from the Burton game. It was a strong team and one that Wilder should stick to.

With five minutes until to break, Hall (Ryan, not Asa) put United in front. A pre-rehearsed free kick saw Paul MacLaren (who was superb) slide the ball across the box for Hall to nip in front of his man and hammer the ball home. A well-taken goal - the sort of calm finish that Oxford have been craving in previous weeks.

The second half saw the Oxford faithful come to life, belting out the Sloop John B tune and putting real emphasis on the "Dagenham's a shithole...I wanna go home" part of the song. It is true, I would not choose to live in Dagenham. The roar of the 420 Oxford fans behind the goal (making up a sizeable number of the 1920 attendance) seemed to spur United on. McLaren won the ball on the edge of the Dagenham box and fed a delicate path into the path of substitute Josh Payne, who appeared intent on forcing his way into the starting line-up with a fantastic performance - hurtling into tackles while also providing flair and panache. Payne then played Alfie Potter through on goal, who twisted and turned in the box, alluding Lewington before somehow spooning his shot onto the bar and over. Two minutes later the mercurial Potter was through again, but this time Lewington pulled off a brilliant save to deny the wing wizard.

The Oxford faithful feared a repeat of Bradford, Aldershot and Burton, namely an inability to see the game out. This was especially the case after the ineffectual Deane Smalley was brought on in place of Constable, thus leaving the Yellows with little attacking threat. The Daggers offered very little, but Ryan Clarke was still required to pull off an impressive late save to ensure that Oxford went home with all three points. On this showing, Dagenham could be in for a long and difficult season on their return to League Two, but keep an eye out for that trio of Swindon, Oxford and Rovers.

Man of the Match: Ryan Hall

Oxford Reject Rubs It In

For the third time already this season, Oxford United were frustratingly held to a draw at the Kassam Stadium in a match they certainly ought to have won. The home side had cruised into a two-goal lead, only to throw it away during a crazy five minute period. Despite many promising signs and some fantastic football produced by the Yellows, particularly in the first half, the bumper crowd that had come out for the ‘Bridle Bonanza’ were once again left feeling disappointed and deflated at Oxford’s failure to kill the game off.

In the first half, backed by their vociferous home supporters, Oxford battered and bruised their opponents, Burton Albion, but were unable to break the deadlock. Speedy winger Alfie Potter was at the heart of everything for the U’s and it was his cross in the fifteenth minute that presented disappointing loanee Lewis Guy with a golden opportunity to open the scoring. However, the former Newcastle youth forward, playing the last game of his month-long loan spell from Franchise FC, found his shot saved at point blank range from the impressive Brewers keeper, Ross Atkins. One can only hope that Wilder does not chose to extend Guy’s loan spell. The decision to release Jack Midson and Sam Deering in favour of the ineffectual Guy still remains a mystery to me.

Another mystery has been Wilder’s perplexing decision to replace our superb attacking right-back, Damien Batt, with the desperately slow Andrew Whing. Thankfully, Wilder realised his mistake early on in this encounter, ripping off Whing for Batt inside thirty minutes. Batt was straight into the thick of things, clearly intent on making his point and playing his way back into the starting line-up when he was savagely cut down by Aaron Webster after a fantastic run. Specialist set piece taker, Peter Leven, put the resulting free-kick just over the bar. Minutes later, James Constable who has been subject to a bid from League 1 Bournemouth went close with a header. Unfortunately, on a day when chances were aplenty, United’s talisman was having an off-day. One can only hope that Constable’s head has not been turned by the recent transfer speculation.

With the game still all square, Burton midfielder Jacques Maghoma whistled a stinging shot inches past Ryan Clarke’s post, almost giving the visitors an unlikely lead. This warning side meant that the Yellows now appeared more intent than ever on breaking the deadlock and making their pressure tell. Once again, Batt and Potter combined down the right before Potter fizzed a dangerous cross into the Burton box only for defender Andy Corbett to smash against his own post. Lewis Guy then wriggled free of the Burton defence only to slice his shot into the side netting. With half time fast approaching, the U’s were miraculously still level. Thankfully, with almost the last kick of the half, Potter found space on the edge of the box and this time decided to go for goal himself, firing the ball into the far corner of the net. Relief all round.

After a slow start to the second half, a clever Oxford move saw Guy slip the ball through to Leven, who coolly chipped the ball over Atkins in the Burton goal. Now two-nil up and in a position of complete dominance against average opponents, what could possibly go wrong? Surely this was a comfortable three points in the bag? Not so. Immediately after doubling their lead, United were pegged back courtesy of a highly dubious penalty decision. A clumsy coming together between Liam Davis and Maghoma saw the Oxford defender win the ball, only for referee Woolmer to point at the spot. In classic Oxford fashion, an ex player Justin Richards calmly stepped up to arrogantly place the ball to Clarke’s right before grinning and dancing in front of the Oxford Mail stand. This unexpected goal suddenly breathed life into Albion and five minutes later, disaster struck for Oxford. A harmless Burton corner was completely missed by Jake Wright and found its way to who else but Richards to scramble the ball home for his second and Burton’s equaliser. The grinning and the dancing had started again. The ex-Oxford player then had a glorious chance for his hat-trick but somehow blazed his shot over the bar. Oxford had fallen apart, their confidence and composure sapped thanks to Richards’ right foot. The Burton Albion centre forward had another opportunity for his hat-trick, yet this time Oxford had Ryan Clarke to thank for preventing yet more grinning and dancing.

With the game drawing to a conclusion and the hosts clearly delighted with their point, Oxford rallied themselves for one last effort. A whipping Davis cross presented Constable with the chance to dramatically win the game for United, but instead Oxford’s centre-forward headed the ball into the car park behind the goal. As such, the U’s were forced to settle for a point. Two more points dropped. The story of the season so far…

Man of the Match: Alfie Potter

Lethargic U’s Slip Up Again

I was not able to make Saturday’s home match against Aldershot as I was sunning myself in Italy. However, reports from my Dad and younger brother were disappointingly negative. Having enjoyed such a fantastic win over arch-rivals Swindon Town the previous week, I had hoped that we would pick apart Aldershot Town on Saturday. It was thus very depressing to learn that we had once again drawn 1-1 at home in a match that we ought to have won.

The Shots had been reduced to ten men after ten minutes. Fifteen minutes later, United had gone ahead. Aldershot were apparently a very questionable footballing outfit and looked jaded following their Carling Cup heroics at Upton Park earlier in the week. We should have stepped on the gas and finished them off, but Oxford did not attack with any real purpose; the football was pedestrian and deeply frustrating for the United fans to endure.

Instead of taking the game to their weakened opponents, Oxford sat back and retreated into their shell, in the hope of holding on to their slight advantage. The negative tactics did not succeed and sure enough the Shots drew level through Luke Guttridge.

Wilder’s team selection also raised a few eyebrows. No Potter. No Batt. Instead, the lightweight and ineffectual Lewis Guy and half-fit, has-been Andrew Whing were handed starting places. Potter and Batt were both later introduced, but far too late to have any real impact on the game. In Batt’s case, his confidence has been clearly shattered. An exciting full-back with real attacking purpose, selected for the League 2 team of the year after the last campaign, one can only hope that Wilder reinstates him and that he quickly regains his form. Moreover, there is no evidence yet to suggest that any of the new signings, with the exception of Michael Duberry, are any better than their replacements. Deane Smalley or Sam Deering? Lewis Guy or Jack Midson? Deering and Midson please.

One supporter summed up the feeling amongst United supporters with this post on the Rage Online forum:

Note to Chris Wilder:

Dear Chris.

Please take the handcuffs off this team.

Yours

A concerned Oxford United fan.

Swine Downed by Oxford's Jumping Bean

This was put on the Rage Online website, but here it is:

Nine years we have waited. Ever since journeyman Jefferson Louis bundled home Scott McGiven’s long-throw, back in December 2002, all supporters of Oxford United have been desperate to lock horns once more with their arch-rivals, Swindon Town. The wait has been long and painful. For exactly a decade, Oxford have languished in leagues below the Robins. While United played host to Droylsden and Barrow, Town entertained the likes of Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday. In one dramatic season, however, everything changed. Oxford tasted success at Wembley in the 2010 Conference play-off final, while days later, in the League One play-off final, Swindon suffered an agonising defeat. Swindon never recovered from this loss. With crucial players departing and a change of manager proving ineffectual, they slipped into League 2 the following season. This meant the first league meeting between these two bitter rivals since the 10th of March 2001.

At 11.00am Oxford station was a sea of yellow. The chanting had already begun as 900 boarded the special ‘football train’ to enemy terrain. There was a real sense of excitement and a buzz of anticipation. Derby day was back. Forget Wycombe, Cheltenham or Northampton. This was the big one.

Once in Swindon, the Oxford faithful were shepherded out of the station by a mass of efficient police. The escorted walk was boisterous, with the United fans in fine voice. Soon the stadium was in sight and the noise levels increased, Oxford United were back at the County Ground.

Swindon's home is a classic old-school English football stadium with retro turnstiles and, quite frankly, disgusting toilets which reeked unpleasantly of urine. There is one uncovered stand behind the goal, the Stratton Bank. This was where the two and a half thousand Oxford United fans had gathered, with a smattering seated in the Arkell’s Stand.

With ten minutes to go before kick-off, the County Ground was a cauldron of noise with both sets of rival supporters bellowing songs at one another. Assistant manager Micky Lewis was out on the pitch urging on the Oxford fans, punching his fist in the air. Amid the din, the two teams emerged from the tunnel to a cry of ‘yellows, yellows, yellows’ from the away supporters. Experienced veteran Michael Duberry went round patting his team-mates encouragingly on the back. Finally, referee Mark Haywood got the game underway.

The first few minutes were unsurprisingly cagey with players from both sides looking nervous. Oxford had the first clear sight on goal with a cross intended for James Constable following a mazy run from wing-wizard Alfie Potter.

Minutes later, Oxford gloriously went ahead. A whipped corner from the effortlessly talented Peter Leven was met by Constable at the near post, who powered his header home. United’s talisman wheeled away and kissed the Oxford badge, to dispel any rumours, cheekily started this week by Swindon boss Mr. Di Canio, that Constable was a Swindon fan. The away end went absolutely potty.

Once ahead, Oxford went into their shell and spent the next ten minutes absorbing constant Swindon pressure. Leon Clarke flashed a fizzing left-foot shot inches wide of his namesake’s goal. The on-loan striker was then presented with another opportunity to put Swindon level, but sent a header wide of the goal. That ought to have been Oxford’s wake up call. As it was, only eight minutes after Constable’s opener, Swindon were level. Alfie Potter was dispossessed near the corner flag by the impressive Callum Kennedy who swung in an inviting ball for Matt Ritchie to head into Ryan Clarke’s net. This led to the eccentric and passionate Paolo Di Canio celebrating wildly down the touchline, waving his arms at the Swindon fans, while Town’s galumphing centre-back, Aden Flint, ran straight to the Oxford fans punching his fist in the air. The derby game had come to life.

Swindon were now well on top and the skilful Raffaele De Vita (clearly a Di Canio import) nearly wriggled himself free of the United defence to put the home side ahead. Swindon then had a golden opportunity to send Di Canio on a repeat of his crazy celebrations. Another dangerous Callum Kennedy cross was met by Flint, whose volley was remarkably saved at point-blank range by Ryan Clarke. Swindon ought to have gone in ahead at the break, but in a dramatic finale to the half it was the U’s who took the lead.

In a carbon copy of the first goal, a Leven cross, from a free kick, was helped home by Constable. As with the first goal, the celebration was manic at the Oxford end.

A pulsating first half ended in true derby fashion with a scuffle involving almost every player on the pitch, before Mr. Haywood clearly thought that enough was enough and blew for half time.

If the first half was exciting and dramatic, the second half was nervy and tense. Once more, Di Canio was in the thick of things. Ten minutes into the second half, an offside decision enraged the outspoken Italian so much that Mr. Haywood sent him to the stands. If Di Canio was angry before then Leon Clarke’s failure to find the net from only ten yards out would have left him utterly incensed. Oxford were still struggling to take the game to Swindon, despite hauling off the disappointing Lewis Guy and below par Simon Heslop for Deane Smalley and Asa Hall respectively. Andrew Whing, strangely keeping the excellent Damien Batt amongst the substitutes, was also having a torrid time at right-back. The introduction of Swindon’s Spanish winger, Lander Gabilondo, was causing the well-travelled defender all sorts of trouble. Gabilondo was unlucky not to score after having a rasping shot expertly saved by the ever reliable Clarke in goal.

With ten minutes to go United were still in the lead. The tension in the away end had now been replaced by thunderous chants, with the fans desperate to see Oxford over the finishing line. A mighty Duberry header was chased down by the hungry Constable who bore down on the Swindon goal and almost sealed the tie, but was denied his hat-trick by the left hand of Swindon keeper, Phil Smith. We were in to stoppage time. Swindon lofted countless balls into Oxford’s penalty box, but United defended resolutely. In the last minute of stoppage time Gabilondo flashed one last shot that whizzed past the right post. It was not to be Swindon’s day. The glory was to be Oxford’s.

Mr. Haywood, who had had a poor game, blew for full time and the Oxford fans let out a deafening cry. A decade of agony, playing second fiddle to their rivals from down the road, had at last been quashed, thanks to a brilliant brace from our very own 'Swindon Town fan.'

Whittingham Strike Snatches Victory for Plucky Cardiff

If Oxford United’s first competitive match back at the Kassam is even to go by, we are certainly in for an exciting season. Playing host to Cardiff City of the Championship in the 1st round of the Carling Cup, the Yellows created the better chances and played some magnificent football. However, Cardiff’s superior predatory instincts, a touch of class from Peter Whittingham and a defensive mix-up ultimately saw the Bluebirds run out 3-1 victors after extra time.

The first half was a cagey, scrappy affair and both Cardiff’s opener and Oxford’s equaliser came courtesy of fortunate deflections. Cardiff’s goal was brought about through a combination of weak defending from new left-back Liam Davis (who I lambasted as a player when he was at Northampton) and the strength of Jon Parkin. The burly northerner barged his way past Davis into the United penalty box before rifling a shot across the box that Craig Conway managed to scoop into Oxford’s goal.

Twenty minutes later, Oxford repeated the trick. Out of favour Simon Clist slid the ball through to another new Summer signing, Jon-Paul Pittman who dribbled his shot straight at the keeper. Thankfully, the ball cannoned out straight to Clist who stroked the ball into the empty net, via a healthy deflection from a Cardiff defender.

After the break, Oxford took the game to their Championship opponents (who I must point out were missing eight players on international duty) and created a host of golden opportunities that ought to have sealed the tie. The first fell to Pitman. An enticing James Constable cross landed on his favoured left foot, only for the American to lose his footing and thus the chance. On first showing, Pitman reminds me of a poor Djibril Cisse – lighting quick, but incredibly raw and indecisive in front of goal. I hope he proves me wrong. Moments later, Beano was on the rampage again, tussling with the stocky Cardiff centre-back, Gabor Gyepes, before being clearly pulled down inside the penalty area. Penalty. Surely. To the disbelief of the Oxford fans though, ex-Premiership official Andy D’Urso waved play-on (quite how this frankly clueless referee ever made it onto the biggest stage is beyond me). Amid the melee, the home side continued to press their startled opponents and the industrious Asa Hall flashed a screaming right foot drive inches past the post.

Our golden-oldie and quickly established fans’ favourite, no-nonsense centre-half Michael Duberry even got in on the action, powering a firm header just over the bar after a sublime clipped ball from Peter Leven. Leven is clearly a very talented silky, skilful footballer whose invention in the midfield could prove enormously significant to the U’s chances of success this season. His through ball to fellow ex-Milton Keynes team-mate Lewis Guy in the last minute of normal time, who failed to lift his lob over the Cardiff keeper, was an early indication of the Scot’s ability.

That chance should have won Oxford the tie, but the away side could also have been ahead. With ten minutes left on the clock, a thumping Gyepes header was saved at point-blank range from Ryan Clarke, before falling kindly at the feet of Ibrahim Farah, who somehow missed the target.

After Guy failed to send Oxford into the 2nd round, the game moved into extra time. It was now Cardiff’s turn to take control of the match. Oxford appeared both exhausted and deflated at their inability to take their chances. Mid-way through the first half of extra time, the classy Peter Whittingham was given acres of room outside the box and fizzed a trademark left-foot shot past Ryan Clarke. You could sense among the players and in the crowd that this was game over.

Oxford tried to rally themselves and had one last opportunity to regain a foothold in the tie through the tireless Constable, yet it was just not to be. A calamitous mistake mix-up at the back between Jake Wright and Ryan Clarke, allowed Nathaniel Jarvis to pop home an undeserved third for the visitors. A sour ending to a thrilling first spectacle of the new season at the Kassam.

Oxford have plenty of positives to take from the game, yet similarly need to address a number of flaws ahead of Saturday’s match at home to Bradford, namely a lack of concentration in defence and indecision in the final third.

But it was wonderful to be back.

Man of the Match: Liam Davis (seems like my assessment of him at the Northampton game was overly harsh…)

Exclusive Interview with Damien Batt

Firstly, how do you think pre-seasons been going?
It was obviously a good win over Birmingham City the other night.

Yeah, pre-seasons been going really well. It was a great win over Birmingham and it’s good to get into that winning mentality early in the season. We also had a tour to America which went really well as we won two games and drew one.

Were the opposition in America any good?

Yeah, they were better than I thought they were going to be actually. They popped the ball around nicely and so it was definitely competitive.

What does your pre-season training actually comprise? The days of running endlessly round a field are long gone I take it?

Yes, pre-season is much more broken down into separate tests – such as endurance and sprinting. We have individual tests at the beginning of the season to see where everyone’s fitness levels are at and then we’ve done a lot of individual running. Those who are slightly fitter have gone into certain groups, while those who are not at the top end have gone into another group. Also, people’s strengths and weaknesses are identified early on so that those who need to work on their sprinting have had to do more sprinting, for instance.

What do you make of the new signings?

They look really good, yeah. Each one of the new signings has definitely brought something to the squad and they have acquitted themselves very well in pre-season.

Are you at all concerned about Andrew Whing taking your place at right-back?

Look, it’s football, I’ve had to deal with it all my career. I don’t see it as a problem – we needed another right-back anyway.

What are your impressions of Peter Leven – as the League 1 sports writers’ player of the year last year it looks like Oxford have pulled off a bit of a coup there?

He looks like a really good player, but to be honest, each one of the signings offers something different which is exactly what we needed.

Are you disappointed about the departure of any players in particular like Jack Midson or Sam Deering?

The gaffer’s made his decision and he’s done it for a reason, which is for the benefit of the team. He’s looking to progress the team and wants the team to do as well as it can.

And how well do you think it can do?

We have certain goals that we’re looking to fulfil and we’re looking to build on last year’s campaign and do the best we can.

Summer Signings

As promised, this blog will detail signings made the U's thus far this Summer.

i) Andrew Whing (free transfer from Leyton Orient)

Whing was bought in on a free transfer from League 1 Leyton Orient after his contract expired in May. Prior to the O's, he played for Brighton where he won the player's player of the year in 2008 with an overwhelming 77% of the vote. This statistic alone is very encouraging. My only slight concern is over where exactly he will fit into the United set-up, as he is a right-back. Given that Damien Batt was selected for the League 2 team of the year in that same position last season, it seems unlikely that he will push Batt out of the team. Unless Wilder has plans to play him in an alternative position, a season warming the bench beckons for Whing.

Please don't be the next...Jude Stirling

ii) Tony Capaldi (free transfer from Morecambe)

Welshman Capaldi joined Oxford from fellow League 2 side Morecambe. Having played over a hundred games for Plymouth and after representing Cardiff City in the 2008 FA Cup Final, his career took a downward spiral when he joined Morecambe at the beginning of last season. Shortly after joining the Shrimps, he indicated his desire to move on tweeting at how 'rubbish' the team was and slating their backward training methods. If Wilder can get Capaldi to re-create his form of old, this could prove to be an inspired signing, especially as left-back was a problem position for Oxford last season.

Please don't be the next...Kevin Sandwith

iii) Ryan James (from Nike Academy)

Wilder has taken a punt by bringing in unproven centre-back Ryan James from the Nike Academy, a set-up that helps young players join professional clubs. James previously played for the QPR and Millwall academies, primarily as a left-winger, before signing for Grays Athletic in the Blue Square Bet Premier. Since then, James has spent two years at the Nike Academy where he has been converted into a centre-half. Could prove to be a sensational gamble by Wilder.

Please don't be the next...Leo Roget

iv) Jon-Paul Pittman (from Wycombe)

The nippy American forward was released by Wycombe at the end of the season and Oxford acted quickly to secure his signature. Pittman scored against the Yellows in the entertaining score draw with our local rivals at the Kassam last season. Pittman has explosive pace, but his scoring record is worrying. He only managed a pitiful 14 goals in 77 Wycombe outings. However, he will certainly provide Wilder with a spark from the bench next season.

Please don't be the next...Christophe Remy

v) Deane Smalley (from Oldham)

Arguably the pick of Oxford's Summer signings thus far, Smalley was an instrumental figure behind Chesterfield's title winning success in League 2 last year, bagging 12 goals in 28 apparences. He rejected a contract extension with League 1 club Oldham to sign for United, which highlights his desire to join the club. Similarly to Pittman, his scoring record (prior to Chesterfield) is a major cause for concern, as he only managed 10 goals in 105 apparences for the Latics.

Please don't be the next...Marvin Robinson

vi) Michael Duberry (from St. Johnstone)

The most high profile of our Summer captures, Duberry spent six successful years at Chelsea, including an appearance at the Manor Ground in the FA Cup 4th round in 1999, before joining Leeds United for £4.5 million. His time at Elland Road was frustrating though, as his first team outings were limited due to the emergence of the Woodgate-Ferdinand pairing. Since then, he has represented Stoke, Reading, Wycombe and most recently, St. Johnstone in Scotland. Duberry will provide an experienced head off the pitch, but could simply view this as an opportunity to wind-down a career spanning nearly twenty years.

Please don't be the next...Rufus Brevett

Regret, But Still Optimistic

As I watched last night's pulsating League 1 play-off semi final between Bournemouth and Huddersfield, I couldn't help but still feel bitterly disappointed that Oxford United had not managed to break into the League 2 play-offs.

Following that fantastic match against local rivals Wycombe Wanderers (who since won automatic promotion to League 1), our season grinded to an unevenful end picking up five points from our remaining five fixtures. In truth, the courageous comeback that Wycombe staged that afternoon knocked the stuffing out of the Oxford players. After a draining and emotional return back to the Football League, we eventually settled for a respectable mid-table position. With the talented and enthusiastic squad that we possessed, this was slighty disappointing, but I have no doubt that we will come back stronger next season.

Like every yellows fan, I cannot wait for next season's local derby against Swindon. We have been deprived of this fixture for ten years now; it is time to lock horns again. I pray that this game is not scheldued for any time in August. It would not go down well with my girlfriend if I had to leave our planned holiday to Italy early for the terraces at Swindon. I was also delighted that Bristol Rovers were relegated as the Memorial Stadium is a convenient five minute walk from my student flat.

On a final note, I was desperately sorry to see that Jack Midson had been released from the club. Midson was an integral member of our promotion winning side and was a wholly committed player, who you could always rely on to give his all. Jack, if you ever read this (as I'm aware you've read this blog a couple of times), best of luck with your career. You can be sure that you will always receive a warm reception from the Oxford faithful.

I'll update the blog over the summer with transfer news and next season's much anticipated fixture list.

Ignore My Optimism

Firstly, forget everything I said yesterday.

This afternoon’s match against Wycombe Wanderers summed up Oxford United’s season. For the majority of the game Oxford were terrific and outplayed their opposition, storming into a two goal lead. The Oxford Mail was rocking under the April sunshine, while the Wycombe promotion party had gone deathly silent.

Then, seemingly out of nowhere, disaster struck. Having got ourselves into this comfortable lead, we then proceeded to throw it away in a shambolic manner. In the space of four minutes, Wycombe had drawn level. Once more, Oxford United had shot themselves in the foot. This unfortunately means that we will ultimately fall short in our quest for that hotly contested play-off spot (especially as results went against us today).

A failure to close out games, inconsistency and lapses of concentration in defence are the three chief reasons why Oxford United will be playing League 2 football once again next year. In short, they only have themselves to blame.

Back to the game today; it was a fantastic encounter. As ever, Oxford sought to take the game to their opponents and refreshingly for an away team, Wycombe had a similar mentality. As I explained earlier, Oxford were brilliant in the first half and created a host of chances, Alfie Potter eventually breaking the deadlock with a sublime strike into the top corner. Despite this, the away team would have gone in level at half time level were it not for a stunning double save by the ever-reliable Ryan Clarke.

Oxford began the second half with the same intensity as the first and quickly doubled their lead thanks to an own goal by Wycombe centre-half, Dave Winfield. This strapping centre-back, who endured a torrid afternoon, is another one of those footballers who is highly fortunate to be playing at a professional level.

After this goal, though, Oxford United froze. Perhaps the players thought they had done enough to guarantee the three points. Either way, the next twenty minutes was an absolute horror show. First, an unmarked Scott Rendell headed in a cross from substitute Jon-Paul Pitman to pull one back for the visitors. Then, four minutes later Pitman turned provider to goalscorer, as he was given time in the box to volley a shot home. A hammer blow to Oxford United’s season, but a crucial one to Wycombe’s promotion challenge.

Even this could not galvanise the home side and a third goal for the Chairboys seemed imminent. Thankfully, we did not concede again during this passage of endless pressure and with ten minutes remaining on the clock, Oxford finally found their feet again which resulted in an absorbing end to the match. Indeed, Oxford would have won it at the end were it not for a fabulous save from the Wycombe keeper, Nikki Bull from a fizzing Tom Craddock strike.

Still, with Wycombe seemingly destined for League 1 and Swindon almost certainly coming down, at least we might get a proper local derby next year.

Man of the match: Alfie Potter