Oxford Defy Doubters To Defeat Arch-Rivals

In an exhilarating game at the Kassam Stadium, Oxford United completed the double over their arch rivals and ended their ten match winning streak in the process. A manic five minute spell in the first half that saw James Constable sent off for an elbow on Joe Devera was then followed by two quick-fire Oxford goals courtesy of Asa Hall and Oli Johnson.

In spring-like conditions, Oxford United fans arrived early at the ground ahead of the midday kick-off. The Priory Pub was packed with excited, albeit slightly apprehensive Oxford supporters. With Swindon storming the division, fans feared that this much-awaited derby day could be the last for the foreseeable future. As such, there was an even greater desire to mark the day with an especially vociferous and memorable atmosphere.

Once inside the stadium, the Oxford Mail stand was absolutely rocking, urged on by Peter Rhoades-Brown on the pitch. Amid the deafening noise, the two sides emerged from the tunnel. With Jake Wright injured, veteran defender Michael Duberry led an under-strength United side out against a Swindon team sky-high on confidence. Chris Wilder had plumbed for a 4-4-2 formation, with Anthony Tonkin replacing Liam Davis at left-back, presumably to combat the threat of Matt Ritchie. Andy Whing returned to centre-half in place of Wright, meaning a recall to the starting eleven for Asa Hall, who partnered Mark Wilson in centre midfield. Lee Homes and Oli Johnson provided United’s width, while Scott Rendell and James Constable led Oxford’s front line.

Straight away, it was clear why Swindon were top of the league; their passing, movement and speed was vastly superior to the majority of teams who take to the Kassam. Only two minutes into the encounter, the Robins ought to have taken the lead when Luke Rooney scuffed his shot wide of the post. Two minutes later, disaster struck for Oxford. A clipped ball was lifted into the path of Constable, who was being closely marshalled by Swindon defender, Devera. Fired up by the bubbling atmosphere, Constable turned and swung his elbow into Devera’s chest. In Italian style, the Swindon players rushed to swarm referee Graham Salisbury, who reached to his back pocket before brandishing the red card. The Swindon fans went beserk, delighted to see that the man who had rejected their club’s overtures would play no further part in the contest.

This decision ought to have rocked Oxford, yet it was the away side that went into their shell. Minutes after Constable’s dismissal, United were awarded a free kick. With set-piece specialist Peter Leven absent through injury, Lee Holmes whipped in a dangerous ball that Hall poked into the Swindon net. The Oxford fans were sent into a delirious state of ecstasy, jumping round the stand kissing and grabbing strangers in gleeful delight. A minute later and it became even more extraordinary. Holmes tore past Swindon skipper Paul Caddis down the left wing and teed up the onrushing Johnson with a sumptuous cross, who placed the ball past the helpless Wes Foderingham in the Swindon goal. The delight of the first goal had been replaced by an incredulous amazement. Out of nowhere, the ten men of Oxford had raced into a two-goal lead. It was astonishing stuff and we all needed a moment to reflect and take it all in.

However, Swindon responded instantaneously with the hugely impressive Richie testing the ever-reliable Ryan Clarke with a sweetly struck free kick. Ritchie then almost single-handedly got the Robins back in the contest with a sublime twenty-five yard drive that crashed against the post. Thankfully, Swindon’s luck was out, as United fought valiantly to protect their lead into half-time. There was even a sentimental moment for Oxford when Adam Chapman replaced Mark Wilson who hobbled off. This was Chapman’s first real return to the United set-up since his heroic performance at Wembley in May 2010. Chapman had famously cried on the pitch after Oxford had won promotion back to the Football League. His passion and pride gave United much-needed impetus during the remainder of the epic encounter. In the last significant moment of the half, Ritchie was almost sent-off for pushing the Oxford ball-boy, after he refused to return the ball to Swindon. Eventually referee Salisbury brought an end to what had been an exhausting and gripping first half.

In the second half, ten-men Oxford had to display dogged fighting spirit to defy the Swindon onslaught. In defence, Duberry and Whing threw their bodies courageously at everything, while Tonkin was managing to keep the lively Ritchie at bay. Up front, Rendell worked tirelessly to pressure Swindon’s back four, while Chapman and Hall in the middle of the pitch looked calm in possession and continuously harried Swindon’s playmakers outside the box. Still, Swindon had a number of opportunities to pull one back. Their best chance fell on 55 minutes, when an inswinging corner was met by Paul Benson ten yards out. The in-form striker ought to have scored his ninth goal of the season, but could only send his header comfortably into the hands of Clarke. As time went on, Swindon looked increasingly short of ideas and the noise levels inside the Kassam rose once more. With ten minutes remaining, the entire Oxford contingent in the ground were on the feet urging the players over the finishing line. The Swindon fans, who had been crowing before kick-off, had gone deathly silent in the corner of the North Stand. In the final minutes, Swindon substitute Billy Bodin had a golden chance to score, yet his shot was blocked by the brave frame of Whing. That was to be Swindon’s last chance as referee Salisbury blew for full time.

This result will not half Swindon’s promotion drive. Sadly, the Robins are destined for an instant return to League 1. Perhaps this is why Swindon boss Paolo Di Canio took to the pitch at the end to wave his Swindon scarf manically at the away end. Whatever happens though, local bragging rights belong firmly to Oxford United, and that, is hugely satisfying.