So it was Oxford United at the abbey on what I thought was rather a nice day, that is until I walked round to the ground and got a good soaking. Despite the result on Tuesday I was still looking forward to todays game. I do remember the early game this season at Oxford’s Kassam stadium. Expecting the usual hard game there, the U’s put in a good performance save their shooting boots. I remember saying to my son and grandson as we approached injury time, ‘how we are not winning 3-0, I don’t know, it will be a long drive home just for a point’. Imagine how we felt following a silly given away throw, in stoppage time, that an Oxford sub fired in such an undeserved winner…
A healthy crowd of over 6600 including 700 or so from the other university city attended and created a lively atmosphere. The U’s attacked the south stand first and early exchanges were fairly even until the home side won a corner after 8 minutes. Conor McGrandles floated over the corner for giant defender Lloyd Jones to head in at the near post. The ball nestling in the far corner for 1-0, it was a great start. The U’s were generally on top but were not helped by referee Yates who appeared to think that Joe Ironside couldn’t be fouled despite being arm wrestled on a number of occasions and his amber shirt being overstretched on a number of occasions.
James Brophy and Liam Bennett were both lively and pacy as attacking wing backs. The U’s really taking the game to the visitors. On 27 Joe Ironside had a half chance but it was saved by Eastwood in the Oxford goal. Paul Digby followed up moments later but he shot wide. Silly fouls spoilt the game, again the referee appearing to award free kicks for some very soft challenges. Returning visiting forward Sam Baldock really clobbered James Brophy on the half way line and was rightly booked. Oxford had not been seen as an attacking force and were lucky when Sam Smith’s effort was saved low in the corner. Jack Lankaster then fell to the ground following an aerial challenge, happily he was able to continue a few moments later. Lankaster scuffed an effort moments later which was blocked. Half time came at 1-0 to the home team.
The second half began the visitors changing Smith for Marcus Browne. Chances came at either end, firstly the rusty Baldock fired straight at Mitov after a good pass by Murphy. Then Sam Smith fired high and wide after a good pass by the impressive Brophy. Silly fouls still littered the game with the referee still seemingly happy to penalise for minor offences. Brannigan of Oxford fired in an effort well saved low down by Mitov. The visitors were coming into the game but were still well below their usual standard. Murphy had an effort blocked as the U’s dropped deeper before a couple of corners were cleared by an effective united defence. Oxford then replaced Joseph with Yanic Sonny Wildschut. United then welcomed George Thomas onto the field to replace Jack lankaster, it was 70 minutes on the clock.
The referee continued to frustrate but saved his poorest decision when booking Liam Bennett fir winning s tackle against Fleming. Fleming perhaps should have been wearing ballet shoes. Brannigan was more of a presence and had an effort blocked. The U’s were really dropping too deeply as the clock ticked on. Oxford made more subs with Ateef Konate and James Henry replacing Baldock and Bate. Ben Worman replaced the tiring McGrandles. Oxford forced more corners but were never really much of an attacking threat. They over hit too many balls or their many crosses were dealt with by an inform defence. Lloyd Jones was booked on 73 for fouling Konate. Efforts from Murphy and impressive sub Browne were easily dealt with.
An amazing incident followed right at the end with Sam Smith racing clear with Thomas clear in the middle. His cross looked to be handled by Browne but nothing came from referee Yates. Joe Ironside, although probably frustrated by a complete lack of protection was booked in stoppage time for kicking the ball away. Silly booking Joe. Murphy shot wide near the end but Mitov had it covered. It should have been a goal kick, but a corner was awarded. United played out the last few moments to win a vital game by the single goal. Much better all around and I thought James Brophy shaded man of the match. Two important away games come next week with visits to Fleetwood and Exeter. Todays confidence boosting win will certainly help.
Richard Stephen