Since my last post, Oxford United have played a further three fixtures. Saturday's emphatic victory away at Aldershot brings an end to the exhausting winter period. The U's have impressed over the festive period and are now six games unbeaten. Moreover, United have crept back into the much coveted play-off places and are only two points behind in-form arch-rivals, Swindon Town.
Following Boxing Day's comfortable, yet indifferent display away at struggling AFC Wimbledon, the Yellows travelled to the seaside to play Torquay United. The Gulls always provide a stiff test, especially at Plainmoor. Despite losing manager Paul Buckle and host of integral players, including former Oxford striker Chris Zebroksi over the Summer, Torquay are once more punching above their weight in the division. A 0-0 draw was therefore a pleasing result and chalked up another clean sheet for Ryan Clarke and the United back four. The encounter also saw a return to action for fans' favourite Michael Duberry, whose leadership qualities have been sorely missed the past month.
After two matches on the road, Oxford were back at the Kassam Stadium for a tricky test against league leaders and firm favourites for promotion, Crawley Town. This little known club, whose wealthy financial source is a mystery to all, stormed the Conference last season and are intent on replicating their success in League 2 this time round. As soon as the match got underway, it was easy to see why Crawley have been so effective. Under the watchful eye of Steve Evans, the no-nonsense Scot who was prosecuted for tax invasion while managing Boston United, Crawley have become an efficient, organised and powerful unit. Similarly to Graham Westley's Stevenage side, they always offer opponents a bruising test. Moreover, their financial clout has meant they have attracted former Premier League players such as Claude Davis to their club, while their startlet up front, Tyrone Barnett, would surely be playing at a higher level were it not for his healthy financial package.
Unsurprisingly, Crawley took the game to Oxford and deserved to be ahead at half-time. However, United held firm and in the second half, Jon Paul Pittman charged down Crawley keeper Scott Shearer's kick, leaving him with the simple task of tapping the ball into the gaping net. Perhaps this is the goal to kick-start Pittman's stuttering career at Oxford, after being loaned out to their opponents for three months this season. After Pittman's fluke goal, Crawley went into their shell and it looked as if United would hold out for a morale boosting victory. However, with almost the last kick of the game, Crawley's quality shone through when Barnett turned on the edge of the box and sent a superb shot into the top corner. A cruel blow, yet an important point nonetheless.
Only five days later, Oxford United travelled to Aldershot, determined to put right the unjust draw at the Kassam earlier in the season. Thankfully, they did just that, hammering the home side 3-0 thanks to first half strikes from Pittman, Duberry and the scintillating Peter Leven. With two home fixtures coming up, against Crewe Alexandra and Hereford United, both of whom are occupying places in the lower reaches of the table, Oxford will surely fancy their chances of climbing even higher in the League.
I'll leave you with this sidenote: If the table finished as it now stands, Oxford would face Swindon in a two leg semi-final play-off encounter. That would be quite tasty wouldn't it?
