Oxford United 0 Tamworth 1

Well the new year started badly as Oxford were in poor form and met a Tamworth side that were organised and had the edge through large parts of the game. United just seemed to struggle to find the quality of pass and possession that we saw in 2009. An early goal would have made a massive difference and chances were made that either went wide or were judged off side.

Their goal game from a lob up the wing and a cross \ shot that Clarke almost caught only tipping it into the net in the end.

Chapman struggled at right back, Green was keen and persistent but Beano was isolated up front and the U's were unable or unwilling to use the wings to good effect.

The starting 11 had 10 minutes in the second half to make amends before Wilder made two changes with Batt and Green (M) coming on for Chapman and Green (F) - this helped and there was more urgency and ambition, but it was all too late and the chances that came were either well saved or well blocked by Tamworth - even the 6 minutes of added time made no odds as we finished with 9 on the pitch, Murray limping off and Batt getting 2 yellows for what appeared to be having a word with the linesman and then a few more words with the ref.

That leaves 2 lives left to regain the top spot, the reaction to this home loss will be telling indeed.